Enhancing Oral Fluency with the Describing Picture Strategy in Chilean Higher Education

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Enhancing Oral Fluency with the Describing Picture Strategy in Chilean Higher Education
Language: English
Authors: Nicoll Stefanie Castillo-Torres (ORCID 0009-0005-5194-5244), Angie Quintanilla-Espinoza (ORCID 0000-0002-1027-0579)
Source: HOW. 2025 32(1):49-73.
Availability: ASOCOPI, the Colombian Association of Teachers of English. Cra 27 A #53-06, oficina 405, Bogota, Colombia. +57-2115018; Fax: +57-2115018. e-mail: asocopicolombia@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.howjournalcolombia.org/index.php/how
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 25
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Oral Language, Language Fluency, Teaching Methods, Higher Education, Advanced Courses, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Holistic Approach, Intervention, Pictorial Stimuli, Task Analysis, Speech Communication, Communicative Competence (Languages), Cultural Awareness, Action Research, College Students, Scoring Rubrics, Instructional Design
Geographic Terms: Chile
ISSN: 0120-5927
Abstract: This action research centered on features of oral fluency among Chilean higher education students, focusing on the 'describing picture strategy' innovation. Set in the context of the Advanced English II course, the study determines the effects of the strategy in boosting oral fluency. The intervention of this investigation was enhanced by integrating technological tools such as a projector and a computer, which provided a dynamic and interactive learning environment and contributed to positive outcomes in speech rate and repairs. However, the results also highlighted other indicators, such as hesitation, where participants showed similar results. While this research points out the strategy potential in this specific Chilean context, it also emphasizes the challenges of generalizing the findings due to its unique cultural, technological, and pedagogical particularities. This study wraps up with the recommendation of adopting a holistic approach to fluency development; it also suggests further research, especially in exploring the long-term effect of the strategy and its adaptability to different educational settings.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1465299
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This action research centered on features of oral fluency among Chilean higher education students, focusing on the 'describing picture strategy' innovation. Set in the context of the Advanced English II course, the study determines the effects of the strategy in boosting oral fluency. The intervention of this investigation was enhanced by integrating technological tools such as a projector and a computer, which provided a dynamic and interactive learning environment and contributed to positive outcomes in speech rate and repairs. However, the results also highlighted other indicators, such as hesitation, where participants showed similar results. While this research points out the strategy potential in this specific Chilean context, it also emphasizes the challenges of generalizing the findings due to its unique cultural, technological, and pedagogical particularities. This study wraps up with the recommendation of adopting a holistic approach to fluency development; it also suggests further research, especially in exploring the long-term effect of the strategy and its adaptability to different educational settings.
ISSN:0120-5927