Videogames and Speaking Skills

Abstract

The present investigation examined the perspectives of the students of Juan León Mera “La Salle” high school regarding the utilization of video games as a means to enhance speaking skills. A total of 64 participants, consisting of 35 males and 29 females were involved in a descriptive, non-experimental study. Data was collected using an expertvalidated survey comprising 29 Likert scale items and four open-ended questions. The reliability of the survey was confirmed using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient (0.900) and was validated by experts. The study was structured around three research questions aligned with the specified objectives. The outcomes indicated that students predominantly favored video games that enabled real-time competition, involving battles with other players on diverse maps, for instance, Dota and League of Legends are video games that help improve speaking ability because players mainly meet foreign people and the game provides a vocabulary to express themselves. Also, various strategies were identified to enhance speaking skills, with a preference among students for visual aids such as pictures and videos. Notably, engaging in role-play activities, assuming different roles, and participating in conversations were identified as effective approaches for speaking skill improvement. Challenges were encountered, particularly in the recording and selfevaluation of spoken performances. Despite difficulties, students found motivation in sharing personal stories, facilitating a more comfortable and socially conducive environment for expressing opinions.