Impact of Employing Photovoice Integrated with Creative Problem Solving Model on Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners' Speaking Skill and Attitudes

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in Applied Linguistics, Department of English, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

2 Professor of Applied Linguistics, Department of English, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

10.22077/ali.2025.9031.1109

Abstract

Speaking is a multifaceted skill that involves many different areas, such as discourse, grammar, and sociolinguistics. As a primary means of communication, speaking is essential in any instructional program for language learning. Besides, Photovoice is a participatory learning method that represents the viewpoints, issues, and experiences of individuals or communities through photography. Following a mixed-methods design, the present study tried to investigate employing Photovoice on Iranian intermediate language learners' skill in speaking English. It also looked at how the participants felt about using Photovoice to learn languages. Using a convenient sampling procedure, a total number of 60 participants were chosen. Once their homogeneity was confirmed based on the Preliminary English Test, they were randomly divided into two equal groups of thirty participants, one experimental group and one control group. While the control group received typical language teaching using conventional methods, the experimental group followed the PHOTO model, which emphasized participatory photography, as well as the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) model for generating innovative solutions. Triangulation was also accomplished through conducting pre/post tests, a questionnaire, and an interview. Then, the data were summarized, and descriptive and inferential statistics such as one-way ANCOVA and paired samples t-tests were used. The results showed that Photovoice integrated with CPS was an effective method for enhancing students' speaking skill and emotional engagement in language learning. The findings can be helpful through new insights into language pedagogy, suggestions for researchers and language teachers in the study of speaking skill, and visual methods such as Photovoice.

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Main Subjects

References

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Applied Linguistics Inquiry
Volume 3, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 74-88

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 12 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 February 2025

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