The use of games to promote communicative skills in efl: the case of 10th graders at padre builu school-cabinda

This study deals with the use of games to promote communicative skills in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). It results from the problem statement that follows: teachers do not use the best methods or techniques in order to teach the English language. They do not use techniques that really meet the pupils’ needs. The study investigates the effectiveness of using games in the teaching/learning English as a Foreign Language. It aims at finding out whether this teaching technique helps learners to effectively learn English and well remember new words and structures. The sample of this study was made of 5 teachers and 45 tenth grade pupils at Padre Builu one of Secondary schools in Cabinda. Using the qualitative method, the researcher used questionnaires and classroom observation in order to collect data. At the end of the research, most of pupils acknowledged the importance of using games in classroom. The results proved that while using games, learners unconsciously learn grammar structures and new words; learners’ participation in the lesson is encouraged, interaction among the learners is promoted, etc. In the light of these findings, the researcher really recommends the use of games to all teachers of English in Cabinda. They will arouse interest in learning and help pupils to make noticeable progress in English language learning.