The Implementation of Game-Based Learning to Enhance Students’ Speaking Skills in Indonesian EFL Classrooms: English

Iwan Dudy Gunawan

doi:10.35316/joey.2025.v4i2.15-27

Authors

Iwan Dudy Gunawan Universitas Pasundan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35316/joey.2025.v4i2.15-27

Keywords:

Game-Based Learning, Speaking Skills, EFL Classroom, Non-Digital Games, Student Engagement, Communicative Competence

Abstract

This study examined the application of non-digital Game-Based Learning (GBL) to improve speaking skills in an Indonesian EFL vocational classroom. The study utilized three interactive games—role play cards, board game speaking, and picture description—to provide an enjoyable and accessible alternative to conventional instruction, thereby enhancing students' oral communication skills. It employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) framework across three cycles with 26 tenth-grade students. Data were gathered through speaking performance assessments, classroom observations, and student surveys. The results demonstrated continuous improvement in five speaking components: fluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and confidence. The most significant gains were noted in vocabulary and confidence, indicating that frequent engagement in communicative, low-anxiety activities promoted student involvement and risk-taking. Observational data corroborated this trend, revealing heightened participation and interaction as students became more accustomed to the game formats. Furthermore, students' feedback reflected favorable attitudes toward GBL, highlighting its role in increasing the enjoyment and motivation of speaking practice. These findings indicated that non-digital game-based learning was a practical and pragmatic approach for enhancing speaking skills, particularly in resource-constrained educational settings. The study advocated for the integration of GBL into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) speaking instruction to enhance student engagement, communication, and confidence, and suggested further research into combining digital and traditional games for broader pedagogical impact.

Author Biography

Iwan Dudy Gunawan, Universitas Pasundan

Dr. Iwan D. Gunawan, S.S., M.Pd. born in Bandung on October 7, 1973. He is an academic, trainer, coach, and self-empowerment practitioner who has been active for more than two decades in the fields of education, curriculum development, and human resource training.

Currently, he is actively teaching at the Faculty of Arts and Letters, English Literature Study Program, Pasundan University, Bandung. In the academic environment, Dr. Iwan presents various courses, including Teaching English to Young Learners, EFL Teaching Methodology, EFL Learning Evaluation, EFL Learning Media, International Language Testing, Communicative Grammar, Verb Pattern, Entrepreneurship, dan Stilistik.

His educational history includes:

Bachelor (S1) in English from STBA Yapari-ABA Bandung, graduated in 1999.
Master (S2) in English Education from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) Bandung, graduated in 2002.
Sandwich-Like Program at Ohio State University, Columbus, USA in 2012, as part of international academic enrichment.
Doctorate (S3) in Curriculum Development from the Indonesian University of Education (UPI) Bandung, graduated in 2013.

In addition to his career in academia, Dr. Iwan D. Gunawan is also active as an Assessor and Instructor of Teacher Certification, and holds various national and international certifications, including:

Certified Master Trainer BNSP,
Certified Master Trainer NLP dari Neo NLP,
Certified Trainer NLP Coach Association,
Certified Trainer Intuitive Coaching dari Integra,
Certified Trainer dan Personal Coach Hypnotic Goal Setting,
Certified Professional Coach dari Loop Indonesia,
Certified Stifin Promotor,
Certified Hypnotist & Hypnotherapist BNSP,
Certified Consulting Hypnotists & Instructor dari NGH-USA,
Certified Master Ericksonian Hypnotherapy dari Milton Foundation - USA.

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