The reduction of speaking anxiety in efl learners through drama techniques

This study addresses the problem of speaking anxiety in foreign language learning settings and role of drama in the reduction of speaking anxiety. The researcher gives a general overview of anxiety sources in language training environments as a background for the discussion of speaking anxiety. The study is also concerned with ways to reduce anxiety levels in the classroom. The study was conducted with 24, 12th grade students, in the first term of 2013-2014 academic year at Kozan Anatolian Medical Vocational High School. To collect quantitative data, FLCAS, developed by Horwitz, Horwitz, and Cope (1986), was administered as a pre and post-test. To triangulate the data, semi-structured pre and post-interviews, and students' diaries were also used. Additionally, the teacher's reflections on students' speaking anxiety, and the use of drama strengthened the qualitative dimension of the study. On the basis of the findings of the pre and post-tests (FLCAS), interviews, students' diaries, and the teacher's reflections, the researcher found that drama gives motivation, and encourages students to speak. It also helps them to overcome their fears related to language classes. The use of drama techniques has significantly positive effects on lowering the speaking anxiety of EFL learners.