Abstract:

Speaking fluently and accurately is a great challenge for English language learners. The students studying at Jessenius Faculty of Medicine (JFM) master the general language skills but have difficulty speaking on professional medical issues [1]. Moreover, English language competence and communication make it possible to study and work all over the world [2]. Computer-mediated communication in English, especially, might be challenged in online setting [3]. The current paper presents empirical findings resulting from teaching English for Medical Purposes (EMP) at JFM through VoiceThread (VT) tool. Sixteen first-year medical students participated in the study that was conducted during their second semester in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two productive tasks were asynchronously assigned to all participants in the virtual learning environment (VLE). All responses received in the form of recorded speech production were delivered via computers. Thus, special items provided alternative ways of assessing productive communication skills. Since all students were aware of the real audience, it was assumed that their motivation and performance would improve [4]. The questionnaire, following our study, revealed that the students, on the one hand, lacked face-to-face communication in a traditional classroom, and teacher's feedback on their English language performance, as well as struggled with the computer technology and online tools. On the other hand, they enjoyed using VT, considered it a valuable tool, and appreciated the convenience of learning from home as well as the opportunity to correct their mistakes as they could practice and correct the recorded answers. Thus, the present study may contribute to further research and development of modern teaching materials combining traditional and distance education with a special focus on students’ needs.

References:
[1] Barnau, Anna, Bérešová, Jana and Džuganová, Božena. Academic skills in medical English: A guide for postgraduate students. Martin: Vydavateľstvo P+M Turany, 2021.
[2] Bérešová, Jana and Micallef, Alice. “Online interaction descriptors: A tool for the development of tasks for language competences and language use” Journal of Language and Cultural Education, vol.8, no.3, 2020, pp.61-75. https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2020-0020
[3] Pop, Anişoara and Crişan, Raluca. “Technology-Based Projects in Medical English” Acta Universitatis Sapientiae, Philologica, vol.7, no.3, 2015, pp.67-75. https://doi.org/10.1515/ausp-2015-0055
[4] Pop, Anişoara, Tomuletiu, Elena Adriana and David, Doina. “EFL speaking communication with asynchronous voice tools for adult students” Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 15, 2011, pp. 1199-1203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.03.262

Keywords:

Speaking skills, English language acquisition, English for Medical Purposes, VoiceThread, communication.