Improving Iraqi EFL Learners’ Speaking Performance, Anxiety and Willingness to communicate Using Tiered Instruction
Mustafa Assi Okab
1
(
, Department of English, Urmia State University, Urmia, Iran
)
Mehdi Sarkhosh
2
(
Department of English, Urmia State University, Urmia, Iran
)
Keywords: Speaking performance, tiered instruction, willingness to communicate ,
Abstract :
This study examines the impact of tiered instruction on Iraqi EFL learners' speaking performance, speaking anxiety, and willingness to communicate (WTC). Utilizing a sample of 109 upper-intermediate English learners at the College of Arts in Baghdad, Iraq, the research implemented a mixed-methods approach involving pre- and post-tests, anxiety and WTC scales, and semi-structured interviews. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups, with the experimental group receiving tiered instruction tailored to their proficiency levels. The findings demonstrate that tiered instruction significantly enhances speaking performance and WTC while reducing speaking anxiety. Learners expressed positive attitudes toward the tiered approach, highlighting its role in creating a supportive and communicative learning environment. This study examines the impact of tiered instruction on Iraqi EFL learners' speaking performance, speaking anxiety, and willingness to communicate (WTC). Utilizing a sample of 109 upper-intermediate English learners at the College of Arts in Baghdad, Iraq, the research implemented a mixed-methods approach involving pre- and post-tests, anxiety and WTC scales, and semi-structured interviews. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups, with the experimental group receiving tiered instruction tailored to their proficiency levels. The findings demonstrate that tiered instruction significantly enhances speaking performance and WTC while reducing speaking anxiety. Learners expressed positive attitudes toward the tiered approach, highlighting its role in creating a supportive and communicative learning environment.
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