Learning through play: pedagogical strategies to enhance oral expression in english.

Abstract

The development of oral expression in English is a challenge for students, particularly in contexts where the language is not used daily. This research examines learning through play as a pedagogical strategy to enhance communicative competence in English, fostering a dynamic, motivating, and anxiety-free environment. The study is grounded in theories of meaningful learning and gamification, which emphasize the importance of interaction and playful experiences in the acquisition of a foreign language. Various strategies—such as role-playing, simulations, competitive dynamics, and collaborative activities—are analyzed to encourage spontaneous language use in authentic situations. The findings demonstrate that game-based learning strengthens students' confidence, fluency, and pronunciation by providing opportunities for contextualized practice. Furthermore, an increase in motivation and active classroom participation is observed. The study concludes that integrating playful strategies into English language teaching is an effective tool for enhancing oral expression, promoting natural and meaningful learning. It is recommended that such approaches be incorporated into school curricula to optimize language acquisition in an innovative and impactful manner.