The Effect of Digital Storytelling on EFL Students’ Speaking Fluency: A Case Study at the Undergraduate Level
Keywords:
Digital Storytelling, EFL, Speaking FluencyAbstract
This quasi-experimental study investigates how a digital storytelling (DST) intervention influences EFL learners’ speaking fluency at the university level. Fifty English Education major students (third semester) were divided into experimental (DST) and control (traditional) groups. Both groups took a pre-test of speaking fluency (scored on speed, pauses, repetitions, and self-corrections) and a post-test after a 6-week instructional period. The experimental group engaged in DST activities (creating and presenting digital story projects), while the control group followed conventional speaking tasks. Paired-sample t-tests showed that the DST group’s speaking fluency scores improved significantly from pre-test to post-test (p < .01), whereas the control group showed no significant change. Independent t-tests indicated the post-test fluency of the DST group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p < .01). The largest gains were observed in speech rate (words per minute) and reduction of pauses. A post-intervention questionnaire revealed positive student perceptions of DST: most reported increased confidence and enjoyment in speaking tasks. These findings suggest that digital storytelling can effectively boost speaking fluency in tertiary EFL learners. The study contributes to filling a research gap by focusing on measured fluency outcomes (speed, hesitation, repair) in a university context.
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Murad, Tareq., Assadi, Jamal., Badarni, Hia (2023) Digital Storytelling and EFL Speaking Skill Improvementhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/373603362_Digital_Storytelling_ and_EFL_Speaking_Skill_Improvement
Bai, Yun & Xian, Huihui (2024. Exploring the interplay of digital storytelling, L2 speaking skills, self- regulation, and anxiety in an IELTS preparation course | Humanities and Social Sciences Communications https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-04109- 8?error=cookies_not_supported&code=df35e4e8-b637-480e-9c7f-307ffb84b0e3
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