Empowering Student Voices: Innovative Strategies to Enhance English Speaking Skills in Greek Classrooms

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the teaching approaches of in-service teachers who teach English as a foreign language in the nine-year compulsory education system in Greek public schools. The research was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 24 teachers working in Northern Greece, aiming to highlight the teaching practices they implement to address the diverse preferences, interests, and needs of their students. The study also examines the methods these teachers use to encourage their students to use the English language, particularly in oral communication, to boost their confidence and reduce anxiety related to using English. The results show that teachers strive to motivate their students to use the English language by creating a pleasant and supportive classroom environment, organizing language activities that require student participation, employing innovative teaching approaches, and selecting or creating educational materials themselves.