American International Journal of Social Science

The Effect of Using English SMS on KAU Foundation Year Students’ Speaking and Writing Performance
Dr Salameh S. Mahmoud

Abstract
This study aims at investigating the effect of using English short messaging service (SMS) on the development of the foundation year students‟ speaking and writing skills at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). Written and oral tests developed by the researcher were used to measure such development. During the six weeks of the experiment (the time each module usually lasts) each student in the experimental group was asked to write at least one 10-15 word SMS in English to their teacher every day. The teacher corrects the SMS and sends it back to the student. A T-test was used to find the effect of practicing SMS on the students‟ oral and written performance. Findings showed that students who practiced SMS with their teacher noticeably improved their writing and speaking performance. In the light of the findings above, the researcher encourages all the students in the foundation year in KAU in particular and students in general to use SMS but in correct English as a means of communication because of their great impact on oral and written performance.

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