Self-assessment for A1 Learners to Improve Speaking Skills Using Whatsapp and FlipGrid

Abstract

English is an international language that is used as a worldwide communication channel, and for that reason, communities need to learn the language. Living in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, has allowed me to identify many limitations that influence young students’ English learning process. The first limitation is the lack of English teachers in the Amazon region, specifically in El Coca. In elementary schools, teachers from other areas, such as Mathematics, must teach English due to the lack of teachers. Thus, learners do not have enough opportunities to enhance their language skills. At the end of high school, teenagers who migrate to bigger cities in Ecuador to continue their university education have problems with English courses. Another limitation in public and private institutions from El Coca is the authentic application of speaking skills. In Ecuador, most people speak Spanish; consequently, the only place students can practice and improve their language skills is in the classroom. Therefore, teachers must consider the importance of providing many chances for their students to practice their language skills by providing meaningful and authentic activities. Considering these mentioned issues, this innovation, with the application of qualitative and quantitative approaches, focuses on applying a self-assessment strategy to increase students' English skills, mainly their speaking skills. This study was conducted in a private language academy, which students from different public and private schools attend to enhance their English skills. Hence, the main aim of this innovation was to help students from this region gain confidence when communicating orally and allowing them to share their culture and traditions to boost tourism in this area since the community mainly focuses on oil production.