INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILLS OF ECONOMICS UNDERGRADUATES

Abstract

Developing English speaking skills is essential for economics undergraduates, as effective oral communication in English strengthens academic performance and enhances employability in an increasingly globalized business environment. However, many students in Vietnam continue to struggle with limited vocabulary, low confidence, and insufficient opportunities for authentic speaking practice. This study investigates innovative strategies to improve English speaking competence among economics majors in a Vietnamese university context. Using mixed-methods design, quantitative surveys measured students’ self-perceived speaking proficiency, while qualitative interviews with instructors identified key barriers and effective pedagogical approaches. The findings suggest that the integrated instructional approach may contribute to improvements in students’ fluency, accuracy, and communicative confidence. Furthermore, creating a supportive classroom atmosphere and offering consistent, constructive feedback help sustain long-term improvement. The proposed strategies address both linguistic limitations and broader skill requirements, aligning with the need to equip future economists with strong communication and professional competencies. These findings contribute to the development of practical and scalable strategies for curriculum design, teaching methodology, and technology integration, offering valuable implications for English language instruction in higher education, particularly for non-English-major students in economics-related disciplines.