A suggested technique to teach speaking by means of simulation game at the university level

Speaking is considered as an important item in language teaching since speaking is the oldest and most universal way for human beings to express their thought and feeling, and is basic to the functioning of society. Therefore, one of the primary objectives of teaching English to English Foreign Language students is to make the students have speaking ability. In this thesis, the writer suggests the simulation game as a technique to teach speaking to the English Foreign Language students, especially to the English Department students. There are some reasons why simulation game is chosen. These are the following reasons: First, it motivates and is fun; second, it is more congruent with the learning process than chalk-and talk teaching practice; third, it is more like the "real" world than the traditional classroom. Finally, simulation game results in positive outcome, such as more active participation, improve performance, greater retention, and better understanding of complexity. (David Crookall, 1990:14) Hence, through simulation game the students have the opportunity to manage, direct and interact in a communicative setting, with little or no teacher involvement. Simulation game activities which involve students' interaction seem to support those theories of language learning which stress on the communicative values of language