Encouraging ESL learners to speak English in large classes towards the combining arrangement activities

The purpose of this action research is to explore how to promote English speaking opportunities among the English as Second Language (ESL) learners in large classes towards the application of the combining arrangement activities. The research design followed the mixed methods in which surveys and documentary analysis were used for the data collection process. The samples in this study were 48 Grade 11 students in an international demonstration school. According to the research results, there was 21% increase in the number of students who often participated in English speaking activities while there was 26% decrease in the number of students who only sometimes participated in such activities. Compared to the pre-intervention period, although 52% felt neutral towards the following statement, 46% of the students supported that the intervention activities effectively increased their English speaking opportunities in class. Regarding the design of the intervention activities, their common features include split information, individual task, mutual dependency, E-shape seating arrangement, direct communication, self-re??lection, individual grading, problem-solving or critical thinking experiences, and entertaining or interesting contents. In this research, the invention activities were mostly simulation games, role-plays and roleplay speeches, and case-based group discussions, which encouraged the students to communicate with the whole class in English, learn new vocabularies and expressions, promote competitiveness and teamwork, and reduce the learners’ stress with fun and low-pressure environment.