Effect of Teaching through Songs on Speaking Skills in English among Early Graders of Pakistan

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Teaching with
Songs on increase of English speaking skills among early graders of public
sector schools in Bahawalpur. The relevant research revealed that
speaking skills can be developed if kids are taught with the songs. The
pretest-posttest equivalent control group design, that is, Experimental
design was used. To carry out this investigation two classes from one
school were selected to collect data for the purpose. 60 students were
conveniently selected for experimentation. There were 30 participants in
each group. An oral test to assess speaking skills had been developed and
pilot tested at a smaller group of students. After pilot testing, minor
changes were incorporated. The pre-test was administered to control and
experimental groups. Intervention lessons were delivered in the
experimental classrooms only, comprising 15 songs which were rehearsed
by the young learners as well. The same pre-test was used as the post-test
as well. The responses of the kids on speaking skills tests were recorded
and evaluated in the light of scoring rubrics. They were rechecked by
relevant class instructors for inter-rater reliability. The data were analyzed
using t-statistics and the software SPSS. Results of the research showed
that songs had a noteworthy influence on the increase of speaking skills
among ECE level learners. The outcomes of the research are worthwhile
for teachers, curriculum specialists, syllabi designers and policy makers.
In addition, song is suggested for teaching different aspects related to
speaking in English.