The Role of Small-Group Discussions in the Enhancement of Iraqi EFL Learners' Speaking Skills

Aims: The study seeks to investigate the impact of Small-Group Discussions on improving Iraqi University students' speaking proficiency in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This includes examining the communication between Iraqi students and their interactions with native English-speaking students and students from the UK and Canada. The Iraqi students now acquiring English language proficiency still require more development in their oral communication abilities.Methodology: Pre-test and post-test measures were employed to collect the data. A quantitative data analysis method is implemented. Small group discussion is a learning process in the classroom consisting of two or more students who interact with each other, where each group member can express their ideas. In a small group discussion, students must combine their different ideas with those of other students in the same group to understand the text well.Results: The results from the three hypotheses revealed a significant difference from which we can conclude that the learning of the speaking skills by small group discussions may create a comfortable and safe speaking environment. The study recommends That teachers employ this method and actively motivate their pupils to engage in these groups.Conclusions:   The study concluded with significant results that proved that interaction with peers who speak Arabic as their mother tongue can create a useful, safe and comfortable environment for speaking, and that interaction with native English speakers can benefit students by getting to know different English dialects as spoken by native speakers.