Undergraduates` Proficiency in English Language through Studying Oral Courses at Al-Istiqlal University

Abstract

With the vast improvement in the education system in Palestine especially with the establishment of State of Palestine, oral English learning and teaching has been the top in English teaching and learning in Palestine. This paper reports a survey conducted at Al-Istiqlal University on the barriers for learners of oral English learning in Palestine. A questionnaire with close-ended questions was distributed to the students. By means of quantitative research method, this paper analyzes the difficulties the surveyed students have in oral English learning. It examines to what degree the obstacles hinder the oral English learning in Palestine, students` attitudes towards oral courses at the university, the purposes for teaching speaking skill at the university and explores the role of English instructors in developing students` oral proficiency in English. The researchers chose 62 male and females cadets as a sample of the study. The limitation of the study was within the boundaries of the Faculty of Humanities at Al-Istiqlal University during the first term of the academic year. In the light of the study results, it is very understandable that cadets feel of a great need to master the English language orally. Several recommendations were suggested after discussing the findings and the conclusion of the study