Relational Strategies to Support EFL Students' Willingness to Communicate in Swedish Primary Classrooms

Sammanfattning

Oral communication is an important skill for EFL teaching and language development; however, many students struggle in oral activities due to anxiety and fear of making mistakes. In Sweden, these challenges are crucial for primary education because the curriculum emphasizes communication, interactions, and creating a safe learning environment across all subjects, including English (Skolverket, 2022). This study aims to explore how relational strategies support students' willingness to communicate. The study was conducted in four primary schools in Malmö and used classroom observations and semi-structured interviews to investigate (1) what relational strategies teachers used to support students' willingness to communicate and how they were implemented during lessons, as well as (2) why they chose these specific strategies. Three main relational strategies were identified: structured lesson plans, clear routines, such as raising hands and listening to peers, and relational warmth and demonstration of care. In addition, it was found that teachers believed that giving affirmation and constructive feedback reduces anxiety and creates a safe classroom environment for students. Most teachers described using relational strategies to connect with students, build trust, and maintain an emotionally safe environment. These results align closely with the core content of the Swedish curriculum. They also contribute further evidence that relational strategies are effective in fostering oral communication skills in an EFL classroom.