Development of English-Speaking Skill among 6th -grade Students through Art-Based Activities and Self-Expression Techniques at a Private School in Provincial Areas of Thailand

Abstract

This study examined the development of English-speaking skills and selfexpression among sixth-grade students through art-based learning (ABL) at a private school in provincial areas of Thailand. The research aimed to explore students’ experiences with self-expression in English-speaking and to investigate how engagement in ABL activities contributed to the enhancement of their oral communication skills. Ten students were purposively selected and participated in four sessions conducted over ten weeks, each integrating artistic creation with Englishspeaking practice. The sessions addressed the themes of hobbies, holidays, favorite dishes, and the environment, and included activities such as visual self-portraits, storytelling through pictures, role play, drama, and photo or digital art narratives, using materials including paper, pencils, colored markers, colored pencils, crayons, and drawing paper. Data was collected through students’ artwork and reflection activities, in which students evaluated their own work and shared their experiences. The findings indicated that ABL promoted students’ ability to express themselves in English, enhanced their confidence in speaking, and facilitated the development of oral communication skills. This study demonstrates that integrating artistic activities into language learning can provide meaningful, learner-centered opportunities that foster both creativity and linguistic competence