ItemPhD

An Experimental Study on Improving Speaking Skills Through the Integration of Existential Intelligence for Post Graduate Learners of Business Studies

Title
An Experimental Study on Improving Speaking Skills Through the Integration of Existential Intelligence for Post Graduate Learners of Business Studies
Creator
Philip, Shynu
Contributor
Ann Thomas, Christine
Description
Within the field of ESP, the constrained access to discipline-specific materials has intensified the demand, emphasizing an acute necessity for refining speaking skills, particularly in conversational contexts. This reflects an evolving paradigm, emphasizing the critical need for refined and specialized speaking competencies within their scholarly domain. The dissertation examines the use of a learning module created for Postgraduate students of Business studies to improve their speaking skills. The study uses Task based Language Teaching (TBLT) approach and excerpts from Literature for pedagogical instruction, employing Dialogic Inquiry Model (DIM) as a framework and using Existential Intelligence as a guiding lens. Language and Intelligence are closely intertwined. Educational Psychologist Howard Gardner posed a challenge to the conventional notion of Intelligence which supported higher IQ based tests by introducing the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Gardner's Intelligence framework initially comprised of seven types. In 1999, he introduced Existential Intelligence (EI), expanding the model to include EI as a half intelligence, but due to its abstract nature and lack of clear brain localization, it has posed challenges for precise quantification. Furthermore, Howard Gardners Intelligence Reframed (1999) was used as the primary text for the study. By contextualizing the study within Higher Education's Business studies domain, it examines how existential principles influence the development of speaking skills. Additionally, it explores how these principles contribute in shaping aspiring business entrepreneurs, providing added motivation to instill a sense of purpose which will enhance their managerial attributes. The research argues that infusing unexplored existential elements into the curriculum can stimulate critical thinking among Business Studies students, resulting in notable improvements in specific speaking dimensions like Fluency, Turn-Taking, Presentation and Negotiation skills (FTPN). Moreover, it highlights the pivotal role of this integration in reshaping ESP curricula to better cater to the unique needs of learners in this discipline. The research comprised of two cohorts of students. The first cohort consisted of first- year postgraduate students pursuing Business Studies at Sinhagad Institute of Management (SIOM), Pune while the second cohort included students from CHRIST Deemed to be University) Pune Lavasa Campus, resulting in a cumulative total of approximately 68 participants. The study extended over a 15-day duration to facilitate the completion of a comprehensive 30-hour module for both the phases separately. The study employs a mixed-method approach by combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. For the qualitative study, the analysis involved researchers observations and an examination of Achievement tests questionnaires employing the Likert scale. For quantitative analysis, a series of six Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) activities were conducted, encompassing pre and post achievement tests, each of which was assessed based on the study's objectives. The assessment tool utilized is the Communicative Skills Rating Scale (CSRS) by Spitzberg and Cupach (2002), featuring a four-tier evaluation system: self, partner, observer, and external evaluations. Data was collected via Audio-Visual methods for documentation purposes and to cross-reference any overlooked data during the concurrent evaluation process. The collected data underwent a systematic analysis to investigate how applying EI principles can improve conversational speaking skills. The efficacy of the learning module was evaluated based on the proficiency demonstrated in TBLT activities concerning FTPN skills. TBLT activities were administered both prior to and subsequent to the completion of each unit. The assessment of the effectiveness of classroom pedagogy (independent variable) was gauged through the researcher's observations and achievement test questionnaires. Simultaneously, the evaluation of participants' specific conversational skills (dependent variable) was evaluated and analyzed through the course of experimental study using CSRS evaluation scale. Data was analysed using Descriptive statistics through Excel and it was verified using R programming. The research delineates apparent improvements in FTPN within the DIM framework upon the integration of this intervention. Noteworthy enhancements also included a heightened motivation levels across the sample population. Both fast and slow learners exhibited advancements, with a more pronounced improvement observed among the latter group. Additionally, significant strides were observed in non-verbal proficiencies, notably in body posture, and refined listening and responsive non-verbal skills, which was a byproduct of the intervention. Also, a Gender-based analysis revealed an overall positive trend in both male and female students, yet a comparatively greater enhancement was evident among male students in assimilating and applying these interventions. The analysis of data obtained from the CSRS tool shows statistically significant influence on overall English anguage production of the participants in terms of FTPN variables. Moreover. progress tests provided statistically significant evidence for the efficacy of the researcher- developed learning module based on TBLT and DIM approach integrated using EI subsets. Each phase of participants underwent separate experimentation and assessment of their proficiency both before and after the intervention. The pre-achievement test revealed inadequate speaking skills and a lack of basic conversational understanding in both cohorts. Phase 1 (SIOM) showcased noticeable improvement, with a growth in Fluency (39.7%), Presentation (32.1%), Negotiation (37.3%), and Turn-Taking (38.5%) using the CSRS tool. Fast learners improved by an average of 24.1%, while slow learners showed a significant average increase of 51% from their pretest scores. Moreover, there was a 15.7% increase in motivation levels during the intervention. Group 2 (CUL) exhibited improvements in Fluency (36.35%), Presentation (35.8%), Negotiation (43.7%), and Turn-taking (40.5%). Fast learners increased by an average of 26.9%, and slow learners saw an average increase of 49.6% from their pretest scores. Additionally, there was an 18.2% spike in motivation levels during the intervention. Overall, the analysis of CSRS data and progress tests strongly supports the effectiveness of the researcher-developed learning module based on existential principles. It significantly enhanced oral participation and achievement of learning outcomes across both groups. The results through the post-achievement test showed that the researcher-developed learning module had a statistically significant influence on overall English language production in the participants. In educational psychology, Multiple Intelligence has garnered substantial research attention for its application in ESL/EFL and broader school curricula, particularly in teaching English and various subjects. However, the integration of Existential Intelligence within the context of ESP remains unexplored. Its potential significance and applicability within higher education for business students could be substantial. This intelligence category, rooted in philosophy, mysticism, aesthetics, and related domains, aligns closely with the fundamental realms of interest for MBA students. Its introduction could offer profound implications for their learning experience and academic endeavors. The research attempts to contribute to the growing field of English for Specific Field ix for Business students by situating the study within the Pune district of Maharashtra by analysing only FTPN which further offers scope for exploration.
Source
Author's Submission
Date
2024-01-01
Publisher
Christ(Deemed to be University)
Subject
English
Rights
Open Access
Relation
61000351
Format
PDF
Language
English
Type
PhD

Collection

PHD

Citation

Philip, Shynu, “An Experimental Study on Improving Speaking Skills Through the Integration of Existential Intelligence for Post Graduate Learners of Business Studies,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed February 23, 2025, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/12397.

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