Role-play in the development of oral expression in third year high school students

Resumen

At present, English is one of the most widely used languages in the world, as mastering it facilitates communication with people from different regions and offers various advantages in all sectors. However, students often struggle to express themselves fluently in a second language due to insufficient application of effective pedagogical strategies in classrooms. Among these strategies, role-play is particularly effective for developing communicative competence, allowing students to engage in meaningful verbal interactions. This article analyzes the importance of enhancing oral expression through role-play in English language learning, utilizing a mixed-methods research approach. The study combines qualitative and quantitative data, employing analytical, inductive, deductive, and synthetic methods to ensure accuracy and reliability. Surveys with 44 students and interviews with 5 English teachers provided comprehensive data, analyzed rigorously through these methods. The analytical method deconstructed problem components for detailed study; the inductive method derived general conclusions from specific data; the deductive method drew specific conclusions from general premises, and the synthetic method integrated the findings into a coherent whole. The research highlights that role-play is adaptable to different competence levels and cultural contexts, making it a versatile tool for diverse educational settings. Regular role-play practice aids students in naturally assimilating grammatical structures and vocabulary, fostering deeper and lasting learning. Additionally, role-play creates a dynamic and less intimidating learning environment, reducing anxiety and encouraging experimentation and error-making without immediate judgment. This strategy not only improves oral expression but also enriches the educational experience by developing both linguistic and social skills. Thus, integrating innovative pedagogical strategies like role-play into language teaching is crucial for promoting effective and meaningful communication.