Harnessing Multimedia for Elevating English-Speaking Proficiency in Malaysia: A Thematic Review

This review evaluates the present condition of multimedia integration into English language classrooms in Malaysia, focusing particularly on its influence on students' oral communication abilities. Oral proficiency and engagement are the primary foci of this study, which seeks to assess how well teachers make use of multimedia to enhance students' speaking while learning English. The research technique comprehensively examines 50 pertinent papers released from 2000 to 2023. Data extraction, analysis, and synthesis are centered on how multimedia affects and is utilized in teaching English, particularly in enhancing speaking skills. The study highlights the positive effects of multimedia technology, such as spoken podcasts, voice recognition software, and platforms like Prezi, on students' oral communication skills, linguistic talents, and language competency. These products allow students to engage in self-directed study and customize their language learning to their individual requirements. However, the challenges of multimedia integration, including the need for suitable content and instructor involvement, are acknowledged. To overcome these problems, it seems necessary to implement new and culturally suitable teaching practices. This study emphasizes the importance of designing educational environments that effectively utilize multimedia for engaging and interactive language activities, with a specific focus on improving speaking skills. Integrating multimedia into English language schools in Malaysia could greatly improve language instruction. Instructors are provided with a variety of tools to meet their students' speaking skill needs. Further study is recommended on the appropriate use of multimedia to enhance speaking skills to promote language instruction and better equip students for a globally connected society. This study could offer valuable insights, analyses the practical and policy implications, and highlight prospective areas for future research in English language education, focusing on speaking skills in Malaysia.