Effects of the Experience of English recitation on Japanese EFL learners: towards multi-modal English speaking skills education

Abstract

This article discusses the effects of the experience of English recitation on Japanese university students by analysing results of questionnaire surveys which were performed on students who participated in an English recitation contest either as contestants or audience members. Since the implementation of the Communicative Approach in the offi cial English education in Japan, teaching of speaking and listening skills has been widely practiced in Japanese classrooms. However, there are still various aspects that need further improvement and investigations in English language teaching (hence: ELT) for Japanese students. One of these aspects is considered to be the teaching of public speaking skills; therefore an English recitation contest was planned and held at a Japanese university, in order to assist students to practice public speaking in English. During the contest, questionnaire surveys were performed on contestants and audience respectively. By analysing the results of the surveys, this article discusses the positive effects of English recitation on Japanese university students and the need for education of public speaking skills, especially multi-modal skills such as effective gesture and eye-contact.