Speaker
Description
Abstract: Developing English speaking skills poses a significant challenge for vocational students in Vietnam due to performance anxiety and a lack of authentic and, transactional communicative contexts. Grounded in Game-Based Learning (GBL) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), this study investigates the dual impact of gamified role-playing activities under the mechanics of constraints (such as budget limits and time pressure) on both learners’ speaking performance and intrinsic motivation. Employing a quasi-experimental mixed-methods design, the research involved 80 pre-intermediate students at a vocational school in Da Nang over an eight-week intervention. Data were collected through paired speaking tests, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), and reflective journals. The findings suggest that the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in overall speaking proficiency compared to the control group, with notable gains in fluency and strategic interaction, while maintaining linguistic accuracy under cognitive load. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative data indicate a profound enhancement in intrinsic motivation, as authentic game constraints successfully satisfied students’ basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Consequently, this study advocates for a pedagogical shift from traditional scripted dialogues to gamified tasks, providing a practical framework to foster both communicative competence and psychological engagement in vocational EFL contexts.
Keywords: Gamified role-playing activities, Speaking performance, Intrinsic motivation, Game-Based Learning (GBL), Self-Determination Theory (SDT).
Biography
Thi Thuy Linh Vu is an MA student in TESOL at Danang University of Foreign Language Studies and an English teacher at FPT Education. She has experience teaching English in diverse educational contexts, particularly in TOEIC preparation and EFL instruction for students and young learners. Her research interests include second language acquisition, gamified language learning, speaking instruction, learner motivation, and EFL pedagogy. She is particularly interested in implementing innovative classroom activities to enhance students’ speaking performance and engagement in language learning.
Huong Nguyen is a senior lecturer and a Vice Dean of the Faculty of English, at the University of Foreign Language Studies - the University of Da Nang (UFLS-UD). She holds an MA in TESOL and a PhD in Applied Linguistics and Translation Studies from the University of Queensland, Australia. She is deeply engaged in language and translation teaching as well as teacher education. As an active participant in interdisciplinary research teams in Australia and Vietnam, she has published extensively on linguistics, translation, and educational technologies. With her expertise, experience, and dedication, she mentors postgraduate and undergraduate students in their theses and research projects. Additionally, she possesses skills in student administration, international cooperation, language learning material development, and testing and assessment.
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