Vigo International Journal of Applied Linguistics VIAL

Raquel Serrano (1): Development of English language skills in oral production by adult students in intensive and regular EFL courses VIAL. Number 7/2010: 99-113.

ABSTRACT:

Time is undoubtedly an important factor in second language learning, not only in terms of the total amount of hours allotted for a particular program, but also in relation to how such hours are distributed. Research in Canada has shown that when primary school students receive concentrated second language (L2) instruction they reach higher levels of competence than through regular lessons. The purpose of this study is to shed some light on the effect of time distribution on instructed L2 learning by examining the development of oral production skills (in terms of oral fluency, complexity, and accuracy) in regular vs. intensive programs for adult EFL learners registered in intermediate and advanced EFL courses. The results of the analyses suggest that, although there are no statistically significant differences in oral gains between program types, there is a slight tendency for greater gains in the case of learners receiving intensive instruction.

Keywords: Time distribution, English as a second language instruction, intensive language courses, adult learners, oral production.

(1) Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.

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