THE EFFECT OF STORYTELLING ON DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF EFL FEMALE STUDENTS AND THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS IT

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of storytelling on developing communication skills of English as Foreign Language (EFL) female students and their attitude towards it. The study sample contained 46 students. The sample was divided into two groups, the experimental and the control group and each group consisted of 23 students during the second semester of 1437/2016 academic year. The study instruments were composed by the researcher and included a) written communication skills test, b) oral and interpersonal communication rubric, c) students attitudes towards using storytelling to develop communication skills questionnaire. The results of the Independent Sample Test revealed that there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of developing their written communication skills in the achievement post-test in favor of the experimental group. The results of the rubric indicated that the use of storytelling to develop the oral and interpersonal communication skills proficiency of English Majors at Taibah University presented "beyond expectations" outcomes .Moreover, the results of students' attitudes towards using storytelling to develop written, oral and interpersonal communication skills proficiency of the English Majors at Taibah University questionnarie were overwhelmingly positive. Recommendations based on these findings include: a) Introducing communication skills courses in university level is preferable as they qualify students for successful careers and enable them to reach their life goals. b) Communication skills courses are beneficial for all majors, it is highly recommended to include them in the preparatory term. c) Storytelling can reveal students hidden talents whether in writing, performing or graphic designing. d) Storytelling courses in higher education motivate and encourage reluctant students to listen, speak, read and write more English. e) Stories lighten the mood and make studying less mandatory. f) Instant instructor's feedback keeps the learning process streaming throughout the day.