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Motivational Games Influence on Students’ Speaking Skill

Abstract:

English in higher education is expected to surpass and be the main provider of academic opportunities, knowledge and skills. Motivational games are presented as an innovative, educational and adaptable proposal compared to traditional methods. This study explores the impact of motivational games on the oral competence of university students. The population was made up of 30 students in the fourth semester of the Pedagogy of Foreign Language (PINE) program at Technical University of Ambato. The process of this quasi-experimental research began with the collection of data through a pre-test and post-test that evaluated the speaking skills of the students prior to the application and treatment with motivational games. For the pre-test and post-test, the third part of the oral PET exam (Preliminary English Test) a standardized English evaluation was used. These pre- and post-tests were applied to the experimental group of 30 students at the beginning of the research in face-to-face modality applying the four criteria prescribed by the PET test: 1. grammar and vocabulary 2. pronunciation 3. discourse management 4. interactive communication. The results indicate a significant improvement in progress (46.77%) across a total mean of all 30 students and all four criteria. Finally, the Shapiro test was generated, which helped determine the rejected null hypothesis. The results and studies carried out allow us to confidently affirm the influence of motivational games on the development of students’ speaking skills by addressing challenges such as pronunciation and promoting confidence when speaking. Motivational games allow students to develop cooperation, critical thinking, decision making and healthy competition.