The Development of Snake and Ladder Game to Teach Speaking Skill

Abstract

Speaking skills are crucial in language learning, but many junior high school students in Indonesia struggle with confidence and fluency due to unengaging teaching methods. A preliminary questionnaire at MTs Ma’arif NU Bacem Ponggok found that 70% of seventh graders disliked English, with 43.33% lacking confidence in speaking. Additionally, 56.67% felt the teaching methods and media were insufficient, and teachers rarely used media due to limited facilities. This study aims to develop a Snakes and Ladders Game to improve students' speaking proficiency. Using the Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE model, the study followed five stages: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The game was tested with 30 seventh-grade students at MTs Ma’arif NU Bacem Ponggok Blitar. Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires, and expert validation. Results showed that 86% of students rated the game as “Very Feasible,” and expert validation rated it 95% and 90% “Very Valid” for material and media. The study concludes that the Snakes and Ladders Game is an effective tool to enhance speaking skills by fostering engagement and boosting confidence.