The Use of Simulation Techniques to Enhance English Speaking Skills of EFL Secondary School Students

Abstract

This study aims to compare the English speaking skills of EFL secondary school students in Thailand before and after using simulation techniques, to investigate the progress of the students’ speaking skills, and to study the students’ attitudes towards simulation techniques. The study used a quasi-experimental research design with a one-group pre-test and post-test and involved ten grade-eight students in the 2/2021 semester. The participants learned through five simulations: Asking and offering help, Buying and selling, Asking and giving directions, Making a phone call, and Giving suggestions. The data were collected through a speaking pre- and post-test, with a rubric based on pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary, and also through semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, inter-rater reliability analysis, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and content analysis. The findings show that the post-test scores were significantly higher than the pre-test scores at P < 0.05 for all simulations. Moreover, the post-test scores for Simulation Five were significantly higher than the post-test scores for Simulation One, indicating the progress of the students’ speaking skills. Additionally, the students expressed positive attitudes towards simulation techniques, as they were able to learn new vocabulary, practice real-life situations, and increase their self-confidence. However, learning through simulations could make students anxious when they are worried about finding the correct and appropriate words. This result suggests that it is essential to build students’ vocabulary knowledge before having them participate in simulations.