INVESTIGATING TECHNIQUES TO TEACH SPEAKING SKILLS IN EFL CLASSROOM WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THINKING IN ENGLISH AS A NEW TECHNIQUE

Abstract

One prominent challenge almost every ESL/EFL learners encounter is speaking fluently, naturally and effortlessly. This paper proposes “Thinking in English" as a novel technique to address this challenge and improve spoken English proficiency among ESL/EFL learners. Drawing on established concepts in ELT, including approaches, methodologies, and techniques this paper focuses on introducing “Thinking in English”. There are four distinct modalities of practicing "Thinking in English" such as day planner, day recap, rehearsal, and observation, each offering unique benefits for language learners. While "Thinking in English" offers numerous advantages, including improved fluency, enhanced vocabulary acquisition, and increased confidence in speaking, it also presents challenges such as the neglect of spelling and grammar, the need for persistence and regular practice, and limitations in academic and professional vocabulary acquisition. Despite these challenges, "Thinking in English" holds significance as a transformative technique to facilitate language acquisition and foster natural fluency in spoken English. As a relatively new concept in ELT, further research and exploration are warranted to fully understand its efficacy and potential impact on language learning and teaching.