Reconceptualising Workplace English Training: The Role of Blended Learning in Developing Adult Learners’ Speaking Proficiency in South Korea

This study examines the role of blended learning in developing speaking proficiency among adult English language learners within a workplace context in South Korea.Drawing on a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative data from pre- and post-speaking assessments with qualitative insights fromquestionnaires and semi-structured interviews.The findings indicate measurable improvements in learners’ speaking performance, with an average increase of 1.8 points on a ten-point assessment scale, particularly in fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary use. Qualitative evidence further suggeststhat the flexibility of asynchronous learning and the immediacy of synchronous interaction contribute to increased learner confidence, reduced speaking anxiety, and sustained engagement.The study argues that blended learning provides an effective and adaptableapproach to workplace language training, particularly for adult learners balancingprofessional and educational commitments. While the small sample size limits generalisability, the findings offer valuable insights into the design of learner-centred training programmes in corporate environments.By situating the analysis within a South Korean corporate context, this researchcontributes to the growing body of literature on blended learning in adult education and highlights the potential of hybrid instructional models in enhancing communicative competence in professional settings.