The use of TikTok® to improve first year undergraduates’ speaking accuracy

Abstract

The present study corresponds to action research and aims to examine the contribution of the picture description strategy implemented through the TikTok® application to improve the speaking accuracy of a group of five first-year undergraduate students in the English Language I course, fits into the Translation and Interpretation program at a Chilean university. Purposive sampling was used as participants were chosen for having difficulties in their oral expression in English. The data collection included conducting oral evaluations before and after the study, holding a focus group, and asking participants to complete a self-assessment. These methods were chosen to align with the research objectives and gather comprehensive and accurate data. The percentage analysis and the thematic analysis were used in the data analysis technique. The intervention consisted of six sessions where different grammatical structures and specific vocabulary related to image description were practiced. The results indicated that the use of the picture description technique implemented through videos uploaded to the TikTok® appproved to be beneficial for the students, allowing them to improve their speaking accuracy in both the appropriate use of grammar and vocabulary management. Additionally, participants’ opinions in the focus group and self-assessment regarding the use of TikTok® within an educational context were positive, highlighting its usefulness and ease of use.

Keywords

• : tiktok
• social media
• picture description strategy
• oral expression
• recordings