Exploring Students’ Perceptions of Role-Playing Activities in Boosting English Speaking Confidence

This study explores students’ perceptions of role-playing as a pedagogical approach in language learning. A questionnaire was administered to 112 participants to gauge their views on the effectiveness of role-playing in enhancing language proficiency. The results indicate a generally favorable perception among students, highlighting role-playing’s ability to simulate real-life situations, promote engagement, and foster creativity in language use. Participants reported that role-playing activities effectively facilitated the practice of spontaneous language production and enhanced student engagement. Various types of role-playing activities were evaluated, revealing that scripted role-playing increased confidence, semi-scripted formats supported the use of set phrases, and improvised role-plays improved fluency. Additionally, students recognized benefits such as improved speaking fluency and pronunciation. However, challenges such as performance anxiety and time management issues were also identified. This research highlights the significant potential of role-playing in language education while addressing the associated challenges, suggesting that careful implementation can maximize its benefits.