Abstract:
The objective of this study was to improve the students’ speaking skills in English
language classroom. Based on this objective, the researcher was able to implement
project based learning. The study was conducted in North Shoa Zone, Kuyu Woreda,
G/Guracha Secondary school. To conduct this study, the qualitative and quantitative
research method of study employed. The data were collected from grade10B students.
Questionnaires, interviews and classroom observation were used as data collecting tools.
The qualitative data were analyzed using narrating words and the quantitative data
analysis was by using percentage and mean score. To evaluate the students’ speaking
skills before applying PBL and after PBL, the speaking tests were used in the form as an
instrument to collect the data and posttest after PBL applied in speaking lessons. From
the scores of two speaking tests, the researcher analyzed the results to verify project
based learning is effective in helping the students improvement of the speaking skills.
Pretest and posttest oral presentation were designed with different language functions
and situations. The evaluation and giving scores were based on the form of rubric oral
presentations. The findings of this study indicated that at first, most of the students spoke
in their first language while their teacher gave them classwork in speaking topic.
However, after PBL given treatments for five weeks, the learners were able to speak in
English in front of the classroom. Speaking skills improvement was indicated by the
number of students in higher speaking aspects (comprehension, vocabulary, grammar,
and pronunciation). Based on the research questions some steps for implementing PBL,
the researcher found that starting with the essential questions, monitoring the students
and progress of project, assessing the outcomes and developing the experience were
encouraged. The government should give emphasis to implement project based learning
to improve the Students ‘speaking skills While implementing PBL, teachers should know
that PBL requires more times and take study times. The students should like
implementing PBL to improve their speaking skills in classroom.
