The Impact of Native Speaker Volunteers on the Speaking Skills of Non-English Major Students: A Case Study at Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of non-English major students at Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment regarding the impact of native speaker volunteers on their speaking skills in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. The research focuses on how these volunteers influence students’ fluency, pronunciation, and overall speaking proficiency. Data were collected through questionnaires from 120 students. The findings indicate that students generally view native speaker volunteers as beneficial for improving speaking fluency and pronunciation. However, challenges such as difficulties with understanding accents and speech pace were also reported. The results underscore the significance of native speaker volunteers in enhancing EFL speaking skills and offer recommendations for integrating these volunteers more effectively into the curriculum at the university.