Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 7 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

Teacher’s Strategies in Developing English Speaking Skills of Students With Intellectual Disabilities Trough Role-Play Activities: A Case Study

Rizki Tiara Ayunda (English Language Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20222, Indonesia)
Benni Ichsanda Rahman Hz (English Language Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20222, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study investigates teachers’ strategies for developing English speaking skills in students with intellectual disabilities using role-playing activities in an inclusive high school classroom. This study takes a qualitative approach, with a case study design centered on an 11th-grade student with an intellectual disability. Data were gathered through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews with the English teacher, field notes, and documentation. To increase the credibility of the findings, data were analyzed thematically using source triangulation. The findings show that the teacher used several key strategies, including providing meaningful communicative contexts through simplified role-play scenarios, scaffolding with modeling and cue cards, and consistently providing positive reinforcement during learning activities. The research findings also show that students’ speaking skills gradually improve, particularly in terms of participation, confidence in speaking, and willingness to use English in simple communication. Although linguistic improvements such as vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation are limited, role-playing allows students to engage in more authentic and contextual communication practices. This study confirms that role-playing, when combined with adaptive learning strategies, can help to create a more inclusive learning environment and promote the development of speaking skills in students with intellectual disabilities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...