Enhancing the Development of Speaking Skills in Secondary Students through Peer- Assessment

Abstract

The objective of this research was to improve the speaking skill by using peer assessment. The participants were ten students, six females and four males from a public high school located in Manta, Ecuador. Participants were 2nd year of “Bilingual Secretary”, and their range of ages was 16-17. Participants completed a Pre-peer assessment consisting of checking a podcast to identify insufficiencies in vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. During de peer assessment, the teacher handed in a rubric to the students as an instrument to evaluate among them in the activity. After the first peer assessment, students got back to doing the podcast using the first peer assessment suggestions. The instruments to collect data were pre- and Post-peer assessment and an interview. These instruments provided quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. The results showed a significant impact of Cohen’s d= 1.21 demonstrating a real improvement in speaking skill after the intervention. Peer assessment activities were included and evidenced gradually significant progress in pronunciation and use of language during the application of the innovation. Due to the necessities of Ecuadorian students from public schools, it is advisable to continue investigating and applying this innovation with earlier students or the first proficiency level.