Evaluating Speech and Communication Skills in Teaching French Language in Tertiary Institutions:- Igbozurike Ijcoma H

Abstract Speech is a learned behavior and a verbal expression of a symbol or action. It is one ofthe components of communication. Communication is all-inclusive as a reenaction ofthe total existence of humanity and the rest ofthe cosmic reality. The ability to acquire languages is fundamentally related to listening, intent looking, speaking, and reading. This is closely associated with every other aspect of a child’s development. It is impossible to understand the unique nature of either language or speech apart from a more basic comprehension of a student’s background, their genetic constitutions, their innate development potentials, and the possible influence of events which may operate to disrupt the developmental process. Students not only listen to the teacher but also watch the changes in the teacher’s body language, behavior etc. Some students may not be convinced even with a logical explanation. Teacher’s knowledge about the student in general may not match the background or cultural aspects of a student, and often gets revised by the teacher. He/she forms opinions and uses such in class interaction. The aim of the research is to identify factors that may combine to the developmental disadvantage of student’s effective speech/language communication in tertiary institutions. The sample for the study was 70 lecturers selected through stratified, purposive and sample random sampling technique earned out among first year students in college of natural and applied sciences learning French Language in Michael Okpara University. The method of data collection was research made questionnaire which sought for the perception ofthe language lecturers on the communication skills required for effective speech development. The findings of the study revealed that the teacher set the communication pace for the students using receptive, associative and expressive abilities. This is to enhance interaction with subject matter and between teacher learner learning French language in Anglophone institutions. Based findings, conclusions and recommendations were made. Key Words: Speech, Language, Skills, Communication, Student