Using role-playing in the classroom to aid English conversation

This paper investigates the effectiveness of role-playing exercises in enhancing English conversation skills among university students. The primary issue addressed is the challenge of improving English fluency and confidence in learners through engaging, practical methods. A mixed-methods methodology was adopted, with quantitative and qualitative analysis allowing the investigation into the effect of role-playing on or in relation to language proficiency. Participating were 34 university students from Bangladesh who completed questionnaires on their performance in language skills prior to and following role-playing sessions. The findings indicated positive linkages between role-playing and fluency, confidence, and communicative competence, although the latter regarding vocabulary was less pronounced. As a matter of fact, the research indicates that role-play is one of the effective pedagogies in language learning, enabling students to participate in non-threatening activities about the practical use of their accrued language ability.