INCREASING STUDENTS' MOTIVATION IN SPEECH LESSONS THROUGH ROLE-PLAYING EXERCISES

Abstract

This study investigates the pedagogical potential of role-playing exercises in enhancing students’ motivation and communicative competence during speech lessons. Drawing on principles of communicative language teaching and socio-cultural learning theories, the research examines how interactive, context-based tasks stimulate active learner engagement, reduce speaking anxiety, and foster a supportive classroom environment. The findings indicate that role-play activities not only improve students’ speaking proficiency and fluency but also cultivate critical soft skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative interaction. Moreover, by simulating authentic real-life scenarios, role-playing helps learners develop practical communication strategies and boosts their confidence to use the target language beyond the classroom. These insights highlight the significance of integrating role-play into language curricula to meet diverse learner needs and to promote long-term motivation in language learning.