The use of scripted role plays to enhance English speaking skills of grade 7 Chinese students

Abstract

The research objectives were: 1) to compare the progress in English speaking skills of grade 7 Chinese students before and after the use of scripted role plays and 2) to investigate students’ opinions towards scripted role plays in enhancing their speaking skills. This research conducted a quasi-experimental study with one sample group which consisted of 51 grade 7 Chinese students from a junior middle school in China. The researcher used 1) a speaking skill evaluation rubric in the pretest and the posttest, 2) questionnaires for investigating the students’ opinions, and3) student interviews. In addition, based on six lesson plans according to the curriculum in China, scriptedrole plays were developed and utilized as a tool to enhance English speaking skills. The statistics used for data analysis were paired sample t-test, one sample t-test, mean, and standard deviation. Data drawn from interviews were analyzed using the content analysis. The findings revealed that: 1) scripted role plays were effective for enhancing the students’ English speaking skills, and 2) the students’ opinions towards scripted role plays were positive at a high level. From the findings of the study, teachers teaching English speaking were recommended to use role plays and optimize students’ speaking time. Future researchers are recommended to conduct similar studies but in different parts of China and at different grade levels.