EFFECTS OF ENGLISH SPEAKING INSTRUCTION USING DIGITAL GAME ACTIVITIES ON ENGLISH SPEAKING ABILITY OF THAI SECONDARY STUDENTS

Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the effects of English speaking instruction using digital game activities of Thai secondary students, and 2) to explore students’ opinions towards English speaking instruction using digital game activities. The sample was 30 Grade 9 students at Darasamutr Sriracha School. They were enrolled in English speaking instruction using digital game activities as an intensive course during the summer session in academic year 2015. The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The data were collected quantitatively and qualitatively. A paired-sample t-test was used to investigate the differences between the mean scores from the pre and post English speaking ability test. The qualitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and shown in frequency and percentage. The findings of the study revealed that 1) there was a significant difference in students’ mean scores on English speaking ability before and after the students’ participation in English speaking instruction using digital game activities at the significant level of 0.05 and 2) students had positive opinions towards English speaking instruction using digital game activities. They reported that learning through English speaking instruction using digital game activities was interesting and fun. Besides enjoying with the class, it was found that students were also improved in English speaking ability, vocabulary and grammar. In terms of the limitations, students reported that they had problems with the use of English to communicate in the class and the time allocation to complete the assigned tasks.