Investigating the Relationship between Language Learners’ Perceptions of Speaking Skill and their Speaking Performance in Online Classes

Among different factors contributing to foreign language learning, affective variables such as attitudes, orientations, motivation, and anxiety are of paramount importance. Among these various factors, learners’ attitude toward language learning in online classes is considered one of the key factors in motivating learners to learn that language. The present study investigates the correlation between attitude and speaking proficiency in the Iranian EFL context. The sample of the study consists of ۱۵۰ EFL learners from three Institutes in the city of Shiraz. The data were collected through students’ perceptions of online classes about speaking questionnaires and their speaking performance on speaking. According to the findings, the students reported that they do see the benefits of online learning. In addition, they found learning through this interactive medium interesting, since it helped them progress at their own pace in learning. In addition, there was a positive relationship between EFL students’ perception of speaking tasks in online classes and their performance on speaking tasks in such classes. The reported results of the current study have some pedagogical implications from which both teachers and learners can benefit.

Keywords:

Speaking skill , Learners’ perception , Speaking performance , Online Classes