Innovation in Language Learning
The Impact of Dogme on EFL Learners' Speaking Skills
Negin Momeni, Department of Humanities, El.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)
Nahid Zarei, Department of English Language, Mar. C., Islamic Azad University, Maragheh (Iran, Islamic Republic of)
Abstract
Recently, globally designed ELT coursebooks have come under critical scrutiny for failing to meet language learners' communicative needs and goals [1]. Consequently, Dogme ELT, a conversation-driven approach, has been recommended to better align with learners' needs and serve their interests and desires [2]. This study aimed to explore the impact of Dogme on the speaking skills of Iranian EFL learners. To achieve this, a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed. Specifically, 60 EFL pre-intermediate learners from the private Vesta English Institute in Tehran, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling and divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The Oxford Proficiency Test was administered to both groups to assess their homogeneity in terms of language proficiency. Additionally, the PET Speaking Test was conducted at the beginning and end of the study. Simultaneously, Weir’s TEEP Attribute Speaking Scales [3] were used to evaluate learners’ oral productions by two experienced TEFL raters. The experimental group received conversation-based instruction using Dogme ELT for 15 sessions of 90 minutes each, without any textbooks. In contrast, the control group underwent conventional instruction in which the teacher used the assigned textbook and covered various topics and lessons. The teacher presented the lessons from the textbook, taught each unit component, and assigned related tasks and homework. The results of the study indicated that Dogme ELT positively contributes to improvements in speaking skills (F(1, 57) = 9.32, p = .003). This study holds pedagogical implications for language teaching methodology, educators, syllabus designers, material developers, and language assessors.
Keywords: Dogme; Speaking skill; Coursebooks, Conversation based teaching
REFERENCES
[1] Meddings L, Thornbury S. Teaching unplugged: Dogme in English language teaching. Delta Publishing Company, 2009
[2] ELT Dogme http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dogme/, accessed 14 November 2012.
[3] Weir CJ. Communicative language system. New York: Prentice Hall, 1990.
