THE ROLE OF VIDEO BLOGS IN DEVELOPING SPEAKING FLUENCY IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

РОЛЬ ВИДЕОБЛОГОВ В РАЗВИТИИ БЕГЛОСТИ РЕЧИ У УЧЕНИКОВ СТАРШИХ КЛАССОВ

Мамырханова Аяулым Ардаковна

студент 4 курса, Карагандинский университет им. академика Е.А. Букетова,

Казахстан, г. Караганда

Джангельдинова Салтанат Болатовна

научный руководитель, магистр гуманитарных наук, старший преподаватель, Карагандинский университет им. академика Е.А. Букетова,

Казахстан, г. Караганда

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of video blogs as a tool for developing speaking fluency in high school students. The study examines how video blogs contribute to communicative competence by providing opportunities for structured speech practice, self-assessment, and confidence building. The relevance of the research is determined by the increasing role of digital technologies in education and the need for innovative approaches to language learning.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Цель данного исследования – изучить потенциал видеоблогов как инструмента для развития беглости устной речи у старшеклассников. Рассматривается влияние видеоблогинга на коммуникативную компетенцию через структурированную языковую практику, самооценку и развитие уверенности в общении. Актуальность исследования обусловлена возрастающей ролью цифровых технологий в образовании и необходимостью внедрения инновационных методик изучения языка.

Keywords: communicative competence, digital literacy. language learning, speaking fluency, video blogs.

Ключевые слова: беглость речи, видеоблоги, изучение языка, коммуникативная компетенция, цифровая грамотность.

Nowadays, skillfulness in English is important for students preparing for higher education or world-wide careers. On the other hand, developing speaking fluency remains a major challenge, as it ask for not only strong grammar and vocabulary skills but also self-confidence and the capability to communicate effectively.

A video blog (vlog) is a type of blog that primarily uses video content instead of written text. It typically features a person or group sharing their thoughts, experiences, or expertise on various topics through recorded or live-streamed videos. Video blogs can cover a wide range of subjects, including personal experiences, education, travel, reviews, and entertainment. They are commonly shared on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram (Деятельность социальной сети Instagram, принадлежащей компании Meta Platforms Inc., признана экстремистской и запрещена на территории Российской Федерации) Unlike traditional blogs, which rely on text and images, blogs focus on visual storytelling and spoken communication, making them an effective tool for engaging audiences and enhancing speaking skills. Additionally, the opportunity to review and refine their recordings fosters greater self-awareness and facilitates progress.

Communicative competence refers to an individual’s ability to effectively convey and interpret messages in various social and professional contexts. It encompasses linguistic proficiency, understanding of social norms, and the ability to adapt speech and behavior according to the situation. This skill is particularly crucial in education, where teachers must communicate complex ideas clearly, engage students, and facilitate meaningful discussions. Beyond the classroom, communicative competence is essential for collaboration among colleagues, conflict resolution, and leadership within academic institutions. The development of communicative competence is shaped by several key factors, including proficiency in the languages used within a cultural context, interpersonal interaction in everyday life, and engagement with artistic expressions. Practical communication experience is fundamental to building this competence, with particular emphasis on adopting and mastering various social roles, such as that of a facilitator or active participant in dialogue.

One of the innovative methods for enhancing communicative competence, particularly in students, is the use of video blogs. Вlogs provide an opportunity for learners to practice and refine their speaking skills in an engaging and interactive format. Creating video content requires students to organize their thoughts, structure their speech, and present their ideas with clarity and confidence. Additionally, reviewing their recorded speech helps them identify areas for improvement, such as pronunciation, fluency, and coherence. The process of scripting, recording, and editing a blog also enhances critical thinking and digital literacy skills, making it a valuable tool for modern education. A well-developed communicative competence enables individuals to engage in interactions with confidence, self-respect, and a heightened sense of self-awareness—critical elements for effective self-realization. By integrating video blogs into educational practices, educators can foster students' ability to express themselves more freely, engage in discussions with peers, and develop essential communication skills that will benefit them in academic and professional settings.

Integrating video blogs into language learning encourages students to practice speaking in a stress-free setting, receive constructive feedback, and interact with a wider audience. This method not only enhances their spoken communication skills but also equips them with the confidence needed for real-world conversations in today’s digital and globalized society.

Blogs come in various forms, each serving distinct audiences and purposes. The most common types include personal blogs, which function as digital diaries where individuals share their daily experiences, thoughts, and opinions. Educational blogs, on the other hand, focus on delivering structured, well-researched content to explain various topics and enhance readers’ knowledge. Review blogs provide critical evaluations of products, services, or experiences. Travel blogs document personal journeys, offering insights into different places, cultures, and adventures. Lastly, lifestyle blogs encompass a wide range of topics related to personal well-being, including fitness, productivity, relationships, and mental health, catering to those seeking guidance and inspiration in their everyday lives.

In order to better understand students' preferences regarding video blog content, a survey was conducted to determine which types of blogs they find most engaging. This data provides valuable insight into the kinds of digital content that are most effective for language learning and personal development. By analyzing these preferences, educators can tailor their teaching strategies to incorporate more relevant and engaging materials. The diagram 1 presents results of the survey.

Diagram 1. Survey results

A survey was conducted on the popularity of various types of video blogs among students, and it revealed that Personal Blogs are the most popular among students, accounting for 40% of the preferences. Educational Blogs follow with 25%, indicating that many students seek informative and instructional content. Review Blogs hold 15%, showing interest in product and service evaluations. Travel and Lifestyle Blogs each represent 10% of the students' choices, making them less common but still relevant.

Currently, an experimental study is being conducted in a school in Kazakhstan, where video blogs have been integrated into the educational process. Preliminary results indicate a positive trend, demonstrating that the use of video blogs enhances the development of communicative competence. Additionally, the findings suggest that video blogging contributes to increased self-confidence among students and fosters the development of essential skills such as creativity, attention to detail, responsibility, sociability, and media literacy.

Diagram 2. Improvement of various skills

The diagram illustrates the interim results of the experiment, demonstrating the improvement of various skills through the use of video blogs. The data shows that students experienced significant progress in speaking skills (85%) and confidence (90%), while also enhancing their vocabulary expansion (80%), creativity (75%), media literacy (70%), and digital competence (78%). These findings highlight the multifaceted benefits of integrating video blogs into the educational process, supporting both linguistic and personal development.

We believe that incorporating video blogs into the learning process contributes to the development of speaking skills, thereby enhancing overall language acquisition. Moreover, the use of video blogs supports the growth of not only communication abilities but also fosters confidence, organizational skills, media literacy, and digital competence among students.

References:

1. State Educational Standard of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Astana: National Center for Educational Programs, 2023. — 128 p.