Using Task-Based Speaking Activities to Support the Development of A1 Students' Oral Communication Skills: A Classroom Study with First-Year IT Students at Dai Nam University

Developing speaking ability remains a challenge for beginner learners of English as a foreign language (EFL), particularly in contexts where students have limited exposure to communicative English. At Dai Nam University, many first-year students enter with low English proficiency, especially in speaking skills. Meanwhile, Dai Nam University puts strong emphasis on communicative competence. Non-English major students are required to B1- level proficiency of English after 4 semesters, respectively A1, lower A2, Upper A2, B1 for semester 1, 2 3 and 4. This classroom-based study examines how task-based speaking activities support the development of oral communication skills among A1-level students. The study involved 24 first-year Information Technology students who participated in speaking activities such as pair work, role-play, and short talks. The findings indicate that task-based speaking activities improved students’ oral performance while also increasing their participation and confidence. The study highlights the effectiveness of task-based speaking activities as a practical approach for supporting beginner EFL learners in similar university contexts.