VietTESOL International Convention 2025

Grammar plays a crucial role in English language teaching and serves as one of the foundations for effective communication in English; however, teaching grammar is still a challenging task to teachers. Rooted in the communicative approach, the research aims to examine how integrating board games into grammar instruction impacts students’ motivation, anxiety levels, and willingness to apply grammatical structures in communication. Data were collected through student and teacher questionnaires as well as classroom observations across multiple English lessons involving board game-based activities. The results revealed that the majority of students felt more motivated and engaged during grammar lessons when board games were used. Notably, many students reported reduced anxiety and a greater willingness to use English sentence structures in real-life speaking tasks. Teachers also observed increased student participation and more frequent peer interactions, suggesting that board games foster a supportive learning environment. Furthermore, the interactive nature of board games encouraged the practical application of grammar rules, moving beyond rote memorization to meaningful communication. These findings support the notion that board games can serve as an effective and enjoyable medium for grammar instruction, particularly in lower-secondary classrooms.