Gestural and Facial Expression Feedback in Motivating EFL Learners to Learn Grammar

Abstract

Understanding that very few students appreciate grammar and tend to find it the hardest part of learning a language. The present study examines the importance of using gestural and facial expression feedback in order to motivate English as a Foreign Language learners in grammar lessons. It is commonplace for this research to look at how the use of gestures and facial expressions by teachers encourages learners to get interested in learning grammar. In a an experimental study, 120 EFL learners, fifth grade students from Baghdad primary school during the academic year 2023-2024, were assigned into an experimental and a control group. EFL learners were split into two strata: one where students received only asset verbal feedback and the other group where students received both asset verbal feedback and gestures. These were achieved through pre-and post-assessments, classroom evaluation, and learner motivation assessments through self-reporting. The mentioned results indicate that gestural and facial feedback plays a key role in boosting learners’ motivation and comprehension of grammatical structures as they offer visual and emotional support which in turn enhances the clarity of instruction and provides a better learning atmosphere. These results highlight the need of integrating communication strategies other than just the English language in EFL classrooms for purposes of motivation and enhancing interaction.