Using Role Play for Developing Speaking Skill in English

1990 Words4 Pages

Introduction

In recent years Odisha has become a hub of technical educational institutions. The focus in these institutions is the development of technical skills. However, it has also been observed that mere technical expertise does not ensure employability. Good communication skills are required to succeed in the profession. Hence, an attempt is being made to impart communication skills to technical students. The participation of students in English language classroom, however, is not very encouraging. There are various reasons for this, like low confidence level, stage fear, improper exposure to the target language, low enthusiasm level, and less practice of language skills etc. Moreover, most of the English language classrooms in this state are teacher-centered and the participation of the students in the classroom is very low. Reading text books and listening to lectures do not make learning meaningful. To overcome these difficulties, teachers can introduce various activity-based language learning like, Role plays, group discussions, simulations, language games and dramas etc. in the language classrooms. This study will examine the effectiveness of using one of the language learning activities like Role play as a tool to promote language development. There are many types of instructional techniques. The focus of this study is to understand to what extent role-plays help in promoting language development.
Role Play as a language learning activity
Role play is a very useful technique in learning communication skills, because it gives the learner an opportunity to practice communicating in different social contexts and in different social roles. Role play provides students an amicable atmosphere to learn the speaking skills in...

... middle of paper ...

...some suggestions for the language teachers. The teachers of English at engineering colleges should encourage the students towards learning speaking skill and explain its usefulness. They should use the effective techniques for developing their speaking skill. Role play is one of the most effective techniques that is cost free and easy to conduct in regular classroom. Teachers should make arrangements in the classroom for the role play performances.

References

Ladousse, G.P. (1987). Role play. Oxford University Press, USA.

Larsen- Freeman, D. (2000). Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. Oxford University Press, USA

Robinson, P.G. (1981). Role playing and Class Participation. English Language Teaching Journal, 35(4), 384-86

Blatner, Adam.(1995). Drama in Education as Mental Hygiene: A Child Psychiatrist’s Perspective. Youth Theatre Journal, 9, 92-96.

Open Document