English speaking skills

Teaching English as a foreign language faces several challenges related to student motivation, active participation, and the development of communicative skills, particularly speaking. In response to this situation, gamification has emerged as an innovative teaching strategy that incorporates game elements into educational contexts in order to promote meaningful learning experiences. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential of gamification for the development of English-speaking skills, considering its theoretical foundations, key components, and practical applications in the teaching and learning process of foreign languages. From a theoretical and descriptive perspective, the study examines contributions from various scholars who emphasize the value of elements such as points, badges, levels, challenges, and immediate feedback systems in fostering motivation, participation, and learners' self-confidence. Likewise, practical experiences involving role-playing games, gamified debates, digital platforms, and collaborative learning environments are discussed as effective means of encouraging the contextualized use of the language. The analysis reveals that gamification contributes to reducing communication anxiety, increasing student interaction, and strengthening linguistic and social skills that are essential for English language learning. It is concluded that this methodology represents an effective alternative for enriching foreign language instruction, provided that its implementation is guided by clearly defined pedagogical objectives and adapted to the characteristics of the educational context in which it is applied.

Parenting practices may shape young children's opportunities to develop English-speaking skills in bilingual family environments. This study aimed to explore parenting styles and parental communication practices in relation to children's English-speaking ability in four bilingual families in Indonesia. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through online semi-structured interviews with parents, naturalistic observations of parent-child interactions, and children's English-speaking activities, including storytelling and picture description. The findings indicated that three families demonstrated characteristics of authoritative parenting, including emotional warmth, regular language activities, and active parental involvement. These practices were accompanied by children's reported willingness and confidence to speak English. In contrast, one family demonstrated a more permissive approach, with less structured language exposure and less active parental involvement. The findings also highlighted the role of responsive communication, shared educational media activities, and consistent opportunities to use English in everyday interactions. Given the small sample and qualitative design, the findings provide contextual insights rather than evidence of causal effects. This study highlights the potential importance of supportive parenting practices in creating opportunities for young children to use English in bilingual family settings.