Action Research: The Use of iRole Play in Developing Communication Skills of EFL Students

iRole Play is one of the most authentic communication activities that students in tertiary level can have in the university to learn the nuances of communication strategy in maintaining discourse. The integration of iRole Play in classroom promotes the integration of innovative pedagogical tool to enhance communication skills amongst pre-university EFL students engaged in simulated classroom interactions. This study investigates the use of iRole Play as a digital learning strategy to improve students’ communication competence in simulated classroom interactions. The study aims to examine how iRole Play activities enhance students’ ability to manage the situation in the classroom in different types of situations. Conducted as a mixed-method action research project, data were collected from surveys and student recorded iRole Plays. Findings suggest that iRole Play encourages varied communication skills, increases awareness of proper discourse, and boosts confidence in real communication settings. This study proposes that integrating iRole Play into the communication classroom offers a learner-centered method to foster critical speaking skills aligned with the demands of everyday communication. The findings have implications for the incorporation of digital tools in preuniversity EFL curricula and classroom communication pedagogy.