Virtual reality in developing English verbal communication skills: a mixed-methods case study in a Malaysian secondary school

Abstract

Despite English being a core subject in the Malaysian education system, many secondary school students continue to struggle with verbal communication due to limited opportunities for authentic language use, low motivation, and exam-oriented teaching methods. This study addresses these issues by investigating the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) technology to improve English verbal communication skills among Malaysian ESL learners. Employing a mixed-method case study design, the research involved 166 students in Phase 1 (survey, observation, speaking assessments) and 15 participants in Phase 2 (interviews, progress reports) over an eight-week VR intervention using the semi-immersive ImmerseMe platform. Quantitative findings showed a strong correlation between learner engagement, motivation, and autonomy in VR-integrated lessons. Improvements in fluency and accuracy were observed in post-test scores, particularly among students with lower initial CEFR levels. Qualitative data revealed that students perceived VR to provide heightened engagement, immersive experiences, customized learning, and improved accessibility. Participants also identified specific strategies to optimize VR use, such as integrating real-time feedback and gamification features. These findings support the potential of VR as a supplementary tool to enhance verbal communication skills in ESL classrooms. The study contributes to current knowledge by offering empirical insights into VR’s impact in secondary school contexts, an area previously underexplored in Malaysian research. It further highlights the practical implications for educators and curriculum developers. These results suggest that VR-based language learning could be effectively integrated into the national ESL curriculum, particularly to foster student motivation, reduce speaking anxiety, and improve communicative competence across diverse learner profiles.