Controversial topics to increase Saudi learners’ willingness to speak : three-session unit, critical study

Abstract EN

Introducing controversial issues as a topic for discussion have been avoided in ELT textbooks.

However, according to the literature review I have conducted related to willingness to communicate in the second language and the use of controversial topics in ESL/EFL classrooms, it was found that discussing controversial issues may correlate with second language acquisition by promoting willingness to speak.

Considering the fact that Saudi university-students are largely reluctant to speak in the second language (English), I decided to conduct a small-case pedagogical - research by designing a three-session unit with the aim of promoting students ’ willingness to communicate in English based on a cultural controversial topic.

The pedagogical intervention aims at developing young Saudi female students ’ speaking skills by increasing their willingness to communicate in English.

This search is divided into two main parts.

The first part describes the unit’s design by discussing the research contexts and participants, rationale behind the unit’s teaching methodology, material and topic and ends with a detailed description of the lessons.

The second part evaluates the unit’s effectiveness in achieving its aims based on data triangulation and concludes with the units ’ limitations and suggestions for future development.