Examining Learner Effectiveness in Performing Oral English Communication Interaction in BE Classroom

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the perception of learners regarding their effectiveness level in performing oral English Communication Interaction (OECI) in Indonesian vocational higher education business English classroom. For this purpose, this study used three variables to determine the frequency, willingness, and ability level of learners in performing OECI under various activities in Business English (BE) classroom. This study employed a mixed-method design. First, an initial classroom observation was conducted involving three classes of business English subject. Next, a set of questionnaires was administered to 100 students attending the subject. The observation data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and the quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive quantitative analysis. Findings showed five types of learning activities in which the learners performed OECI. Their perception of the effectiveness level in performing OECI was moderate (around 50% of the expected results). The findings also discovered that, of the three aspects evaluated, the ability aspect had the lowest level. Moreover, the study implied that providing sufficient and appropriate oral English communication skills in the prerequisite subject will enhance learners’ effectiveness in performing OECI in the BE classroom. Further investigation into the factors impeding learners from performing the activities and the strategies to reduce these influencing factors is also suggested.