BREAKING THE SILENCE: VIRTUAL REALITY AS A TOOL FOR OVERCOMING PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSROOMS

Abstract

This research examines the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) technology in mitigating psychological barriers, specifically communication-related anxiety, among language learners. Despite possessing linguistic competence, many students remain silent in traditional classrooms due to the fear of social evaluation. This study explores how immersive, high-presence digital environments provide a "psychological buffer," allowing learners to practice oral communication in low-risk, simulated real-world scenarios. The findings indicate that VR-mediated sessions significantly lower the affective filter and increase spontaneous speech production. Consequently, the integration of immersive simulations fosters a resilient speaking persona, facilitating a successful transfer of communicative confidence from virtual platforms to physical classroom environments.