Improving Speaking Skills of 11th Graders at Nguyen Trai High School Using Role Play: Students’ Perspectives

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of role-play as an instructional strategy for improving speaking skills and investigates students’ attitudes towards this technique. Conducted at Nguyen Trai High School, the research adopted an action research approach, encompassing planning, execution, observation, and reflection within a single cycle. A cohort of 40 eleventh-grade students during the 2022/2023 academic year participated. The study employed direct observation to gauge student attitudes towards role-play and its impact on speaking abilities. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was administered to collect student opinions on the role-play method and speaking skills. Further insights were gleaned through interviews with select students, aimed at delving deeper into their questionnaire responses and validating the accuracy of feedback. This mixed-methods approach facilitated an assessment of role-play’s effectiveness in enhancing speaking skills, with findings suggesting a significant improvement in students’ speaking competence.