Gamification in the improvement of speaking competences in the English as a Foreing Language classroom: a case study

Abstract

The aim of this investigation is to study the influence of gamification methodology in the improvement of speaking competence. The study has implemented a gamified experience for 6th grade of Primary: “A trip to Japan”, in which travelling has been the main topic of interest. Thus, 50 students have worked with real speaking situations that could possibly occur during a trip. In order to observe the progress of the students, a pre-test post-test method has been used applying a quantitative approach. These scales have considered the student’s perceptions towards their communicative skills and competences in the spoken language, as well as their motivation for employing English as a foreign language at school, before and after the implementation of the gamified experience. The results have shown a huge improvement in the students’ perception and in their motivation towards English as a Foreign Language (EFL) as a subject, as well as a significant interest in speaking activities through dramatized dialogues. Following these results, gamification methodology appears to be a relatively appropriate option in order to improve speaking competences and motivation for EFL in 6th grade classes.