The Role of Interactive Gaming in Fostering Communication Willingness of Iranian upper-intermediate EFL Learners

The current research delved into the impact of interactive Gaming on Communication Willingness among Iranian EFL learners. The study focused on upper-intermediate students selected from an English Institute in Shiraz, Iran. Initially, their language proficiency was assessed using the Oxford placement test, resulting in the selection of ۴۰ male and female EFL learners. These participants were then split into experimental and control groups. Prior to the intervention, both groups underwent pretests using the Willingness to Communicate questionnaire. Throughout the semester, the experimental group engaged with a computer game while the control group followed the regular class schedule without any gaming involvement. Each group had ۱۸ sessions. Towards the end of the semester, post-tests using the WTC were administered to both groups. Statistical analysis through SPSS, version ۲۷, included demographic profiles and quantitative descriptions of the data. Pair t-tests and ANCOVA were conducted to explore the treatment's potential effects. The findings revealed a significant impact of interactive gaming on participants' communication willingness. These outcomes could offer valuable insights to curriculum designers, educators, and language learners.