Gamification for improving oral communication skills in English as a Foreign Language learners

Abstract

This research focused on the use of Gamification to improve oral communication skills in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) student. It was carried out in a private school in El Quinche with 50 students between 13 and 14 years old who belonged to eighth grade EGB. A quasi-experimental method was used; therefore, a pre-test, a post-test, surveys, class observation sheets and a questionnaire were applied. The results showed that the application of gamification provided significant support to improve students' oral communication skills.  In addition, interactive games were found to be more effective in improving EFL students' communication skills. As a conclusion, a variety of games provided reinforcement to the development of the four elements pertaining to oral communication such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency.