A Case Study on Reading Aloud Using English TV News

Abstract

This study deals with the effectiveness of reading aloud using English TV news to increase the number of opportunities and improve self-confidence in producing English utterances for EFL learners. Reading aloud using English TV news contents was adopted to induce a certain number of English utterances, and self-voice recording via smartphones was conducted to provide an objective perspective on learners’ progress during the activity. The data from the preand post-survey questionnaires show that the reading-aloud activity using English TV news during a single semester increased EFL learners’ self-confidence in producing English utterances. Post-survey results indicate respective increases of 39 percent, 29 percent, and 20 percent in reading a text aloud, delivering a presentation, and speaking in comparison to presurvey results. Furthermore, learners with no overseas English learning experience showed significantly more positive reactions toward the reading-aloud activity than those with overseas English learning experience. The effectiveness is noticeable as it increases self-confidence to a level close to that of learners with overseas learning experience. This study provides insights into reading aloud activity using English TV news on EFL learners with no overseas learning experience and on their selfconfidence in practicing English speaking skills.