Exploring the Use of WhatsApp for Teaching Speaking to English Language Learners: A Case Study

Being able to speak or communicate orally is an ultimate goal for most English language learners. Thus, teaching speaking a main component of the curriculum in communicative-based classrooms. However, teachers struggle teach Two reasons contribute this struggle: insufficient time practice classrooms and students’ unwillingness due anxiety. Asynchronous Computer-Mediated Communication (ACMC) may have potential provide solution difficulty. A widely accessible mobile application that can easily implemented ACMC tool WhatsApp. The current case study explored use WhatsApp as Foreign Language (EFL) context. 15 Saudi EFL learners were recruited participate present study. mixed-method approach comprising pre post-tests, closed-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews used collect data findings showed using improving learners’ performance, increasing their motivation attitude towards speaking, decreasing anxiety fear making mistakes when speaking. effective platform setting where there scarcity available oral communication.