Impact of Online Learning on English-Speaking Skills among ESL University Students in Malaysia

Abstract

The rapid transition to online learning in Malaysian universities has influenced how ESL students develop their speaking skills. This study investigates the impact of online learning on the English- speaking proficiency of Malaysian university students. A quantitative approach was employed, with a structured survey administered to 54 students from various faculties at a private university. The survey explored students’ perceptions of how online learning supports communication, participation in discussions and confidence in speaking English. The data were analysed descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations to identify overall trends. The results suggest that online learning provides moderate support for improving speaking skills, especially through structured interactive activities and access to digital resources. However, many students reported neutral experiences regarding engagement and comfort during online interactions. Students reported key challenges such as grammatical inaccuracies, difficulty forming complex sentences and maintaining fluency and accuracy. Overall, the findings suggest that although online learning offers useful opportunities, careful instructional design and interactive strategies are essential to fully develop speaking proficiency. These insights contribute to research on digital language learning and offer recommendations for improving online English instruction in higher education.