Higher education commission's English-speaking curriculum: The preparation for speaking skills at graduate level in Pakistan

It is essential to have good speaking skills to succeed in job industries after graduation. The study delves into the speaking curriculum offered by universities, as approved by HEC, to evaluate its effectiveness in preparing students for their professional careers. Possessing strong speaking skills is crucial for success in post-graduation job industries. The study's framework draws from a language teaching model developed by Richard and Rodger (2001). The research employs an exploratory, case study, and qualitative research design. Data was gathered through teacher interviews, content analysis, and classroom observations in both public and private universities in Islamabad. The findings indicate that the current curriculum only partially equips undergraduate students with the necessary speaking skills for their future careers. Moreover, the study proposes suggestions to enhance the implementation of HEC's speaking curriculum and classroom instruction in higher education, offering recommendations for its effective execution.