The use of digitalized out of class speaking activities to promote pronunciation skills in younger learners

Abstract

This study focused on developing young learners speaking skills through the use of digitalized out-of-class activities. The study was conducted as experimental research in a private primary school in Ankara, Turkey. The participants are both male and female and between the ages of 7 and 8. The research is supported by the acquisition of second language learning, student‟s willingness to communicate, parental involvement in language learning and the use of digitalized learning activities assigned as homework to develop young Turkish learners speaking skills. The study examined how through the use of focused practice activities children‟s pronunciation of English could be guided toward the target model. Previous research on willingness to communicate in L2 has mainly involved older learners. From the qualitative data gathered the findings suggest that providing students with the necessary tools and support can increase their willingness to communicate levels.