The Effect of Storytelling and Retelling on the Oral Performance of EFL Students: A Pilot Study in Mainland China and Taiwan

• In Event: 49.089 - Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: 49.089-7 - Teachers' and Students' Perceptions in Global Classrooms

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study is to explore the effect of a storytelling and retelling intervention on EFL learners (English learned as a foreign language). Ten fourth graders from Mainland China and nine third graders from Taiwan participated in the 6-week intervention and were evaluated using a curriculum-based assessment. The basic element of the intervention is story reading, telling and retelling; direct vocabulary instruction, integration of higher-order thinking questions strategies, and literacy skills are also included. An English oral proficiency test was administered before and after the intervention along with an instrument measuring students’ self-esteem on English learning. The results suggest a significant improvement on the oral performance of the students after the intervention at both sites.

Authors

• Pei-lin Yang, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Fuhui Tong, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Beverly J. Irby, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Rafael Lara-Alecio, Texas A&M University

• Norma Ramos

• Miranda Nava-Walichowski, Texas A&M University