A Study of L2 Learners' Perceived Efficacy of One-on-One English Conversation with Native Speakers

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of one-on-one English conversation with native speakers, focusing on the learners' perceptions of one-on-one instructions and improvement in their language skills. The survey data were collected and statistically analyzed on fifty beginning level adult learners who participated in a one-on-one English conversation program called English-in-Action (EIA) in New York City. In-depth interview with some of the students were also conducted and analyzed. The results were as follows: 1) the relaxed atmosphere of the one-on-one English conversation made the learners feel comfortable in speaking English and receptive to the tutors' correction of their mistakes, 2) the learners self-reported that their speaking and listening skills improved most through the one-on-one instruction, and 3) the learners' positive perceptions of the program were significantly related to their perceived improvement in speaking and listening abilities.