Effects of Using Role Play to Improve AuralOral English Skills of 8th Grade Efl Students at Guo Kai Middle School, China

Abstract

           This study aims to investigate one learning strategy that provides opportunities for students to practice aural-oral English skills, as well as to explore its effects on the students’ behaviors and attitudes. A mixed methods research design was employed with quantitative and qualitative research approaches to collect and analyze data. Pre-test and post-test were the instruments in the quantitative research phase with 100 students from 2 classes took part in the tests. Non-participant observation, journal writing and semi-structured interviews were the instruments used in the qualitative phase with one class of 50 students taught with the use of a role play. Moreover, 15 students were selected as the interviewees by gender and the progress made from the pre-test to the post-test. The findings of this study show that the role play is an effective teaching-learning strategy and helps students improve their aural-oral English skills. The use of a role play stimulated students to become more active and confident in expressing themselves during class activities, increased participation and the application of English. In addition, most students liked the use of a role play, and the students had positive attitudes toward it.