Developing Students' Fluency in Speaking through the Use of the 4/3/2 Technique

Achieving fluency in speaking is a critical challenge for learners of English as a Second Language (ESL). This study examines the effectiveness of the 4/3/2 technique in enhancing students’ oral fluency. Selected eleventh-grade students from a private institution in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, participated in this research during the second semester of the academic year 2022-2023. A descriptive-qualitative research design was utilized, incorporating an adopted speaking assessment rubric and an unstructured interview to assess students’ progress and perceptions. Results demonstrated that the 4/3/2 technique significantly improved students’ speech fluency. The majority of participants found this approach valuable for developing their communication skills. The implications for teaching strategies are discussed, along with recommendations for future studies. This research serves as a reference for ESL educators aiming to enhance students’ speaking proficiency.