EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF COMMUNICATION PATTERNS ON THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AN ESL CONTEXT

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the “effect of communication patterns on secondary school students' social development in ESL. The communication patrons have influence on major aspects of ESL learners' lives, that is, peer relationships, emotional well-being, and academic engagement. Given the peculiar linguistic dispositions ESL students face, understanding how distinctive communication styles shape their social interactions is highly important”. To achieve the study objectives, a descriptive and quantitative research method was adopted. In the light of expert opinions and pilot study results, a Five-point Likret scale questionnaire was developed. Targeted population was secondary school students of tehsil Sadiq Abad. A total of 320 students were selected as a sample from five boys and five girls’ secondary schools. Researcher personally visited in each school for data collection. Collected data was analyzed through SPSS-24 with frequency, percentage, mean and std. Deviation. Study results found that the classroom communication patterns have a significant effect on secondary school students' social development in ESL. Students’ interactions with peers in school have improved their confidence in expressing themselves. The teacher provides constructive feedback on their communication skills. Students feel more socially confident because of the communication practices in school. Study recommended that classroom environment should be flexible for English language communication at secondary school level. Peers and group discussion should be appreciated in ESL class at secondary school level. Thus, it brings to the fore of education a need for specific targeted strategies both for educators, policymakers, and school administrators to offer easier channels for reducing communication barriers in schools as an enhancement to the overall school experience for ESL students. This study contributes to a wider appreciation of how communication influences social development in linguistically diverse classrooms and provides a solid framework to guide future research and practical interventions.

Key Terms: Communication Patrons, Secondary school students, ESL class, Students’ social development