Authors :
Arniel Paler Bangalao
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 2 - February
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2km33ecx
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/5by92awa
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14874203
Abstract :
Achieving fluency in speaking is a critical challenge for learners of English as a Second Language (ESL). This
study examines the effectiveness of the 4/3/2 technique in enhancing students’ oral fluency. Selected eleventh-grade
students from a private institution in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, participated in this research during the second
semester of the academic year 2022-2023. A descriptive-qualitative research design was utilized, incorporating an adopted
speaking assessment rubric and an unstructured interview to assess students’ progress and perceptions. Results
demonstrated that the 4/3/2 technique significantly improved students’ speech fluency. The majority of participants found
this approach valuable for developing their communication skills. The implications for teaching strategies are discussed,
along with recommendations for future studies. This research serves as a reference for ESL educators aiming to enhance
students’ speaking proficiency.
Keywords :
Fluency, Speaking Skills, ESL, 4/3/2 Technique.
References :
- Anderson, J. R. (1993). Rules of the mind. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
- Asri, A., & Muhtar, A. (2013). The effect of 4/3/2 technique on the students’ oral fluency at SMAN 2 Malang. SKRIPSI Jurusan Sastra Inggris-Fakultas Sastra UM, 1(1), 1-12.
- Boers, F. (2014). A reappraisal of the 4/3/2 activity. RELC Journal, 45(3), 221–235.
- Briones, M., & Ramírez, M. (2011). Implementing instructional coaching using a partnership philosophy model to train teachers in reading skills. [Master’s thesis, Casa Grande University]. DSpace.
- DeKeyser, R. (2001). Automaticity and automatization. In P. Robinson (Ed.), Cognition and second language instruction (pp. 125-151). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- IELTS Master. (2016). IELTS speaking: How to improve fluency with the “4/3/2” technique. Retrieved from: https://ielts-master.com
- Molina, M., & Briesmaster, M. (2017). The use of the 3/2/1 technique to foster students’ speaking fluency. Inquiry in Education, 9(2), 1-13.
- Nation, P. (1989). Improving speaking fluency. System, 17(3), 377–384.
- Nation, P. (2007). The four strands. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 1(1), 1-12.
- Nation, I.S.P & Newton, J. (2009). Teaching ESL/EFL listening and speaking. Routledge. 270 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
- Regoniel, P. (2023). Exploring phenomena: A brief guide to conducting descriptive qualitative research. Research-based Articles. Retrieved on May 31, 2023, from: https://simplyeducate.me/2023/04/10/descriptive-qualitative-research/
- Santos, J., & Barcelos, A. (2018). “I don’t know where this shyness comes from…” Revista Horizontes de Linguistica Aplicada, 17(2), 15-38.
- Santos, J., & Ramírez-Ávila, M. (2022). Improving speaking fluency through 4/3/2 technique and self-assessment. TESL-EJ, 26(2).
Achieving fluency in speaking is a critical challenge for learners of English as a Second Language (ESL). This
study examines the effectiveness of the 4/3/2 technique in enhancing students’ oral fluency. Selected eleventh-grade
students from a private institution in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, participated in this research during the second
semester of the academic year 2022-2023. A descriptive-qualitative research design was utilized, incorporating an adopted
speaking assessment rubric and an unstructured interview to assess students’ progress and perceptions. Results
demonstrated that the 4/3/2 technique significantly improved students’ speech fluency. The majority of participants found
this approach valuable for developing their communication skills. The implications for teaching strategies are discussed,
along with recommendations for future studies. This research serves as a reference for ESL educators aiming to enhance
students’ speaking proficiency.
Keywords :
Fluency, Speaking Skills, ESL, 4/3/2 Technique.