Author(s): Assist. Prof. Dr. Lina Fathi Sidig

Abstract: The internet-based learning has influenced the traditional teaching systems very much in the case of universities, especially in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes for graduate students. The research revealed that Zoom breakout rooms significantly support the development of fluency and turn-taking skills among master's students in media studies. For this purpose, various methodological data collection approach were used in this study such as pre-test and post-test of speaking sills, interaction analysis, and surveys. Over a period of eight weeks, a total of thirty-two students organized their participation in the conversations in the breakout rooms. The figures show a great development in their talking and turn-taking skills. The qualitative data from interviews indicates that students perceived themselves to be more independent and confident during oral communication. The findings lead to the conclusion that Zoom breakout rooms constitute an effective tool for students to refine their speaking skills in online EFL classes.

Keywords: Zoom breakout rooms, MA media students, speaking fluency, turn-taking, and online EFL learning.

Article Info: Received: 06 Nov 2025; Received in revised form: 20 Nov 2025; Accepted: 24 Nov 2025; Available online: 26 Nov 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.106.84