Gamification's Role in Enhancing Vocabulary Acquisition for Adult English Learners
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Abstract
Gamification, the integration of game design elements into educational contexts, has gained widespread recognition for its potential to enhance learning, particularly in language education. This study investigates the impact of gamification on vocabulary acquisition among adult beginners learning English, a demographic that often encounters challenges related to motivation and engagement. Adult learners, unlike younger students, tend to juggle multiple responsibilities such as work and family, making the learning process more challenging. Consequently, traditional language learning methods may fail to maintain their motivation, resulting in slow progress and a high dropout rate.
By incorporating game mechanics such as rewards, leaderboards, and interactive challenges, this study aims to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for adult learners. The research, grounded in theories by Deterding et al. (2016) and Hamari et al. (2016), focuses on how adult learners can benefit from these innovative methods in ways that traditional methods may not address. A gamified intervention that includes point scoring, level progression, and instant feedback was implemented for a cohort of adult English learners. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods, including pre- and post-intervention vocabulary tests, surveys, and interviews, to assess improvements in vocabulary retention, motivation, and engagement.
Preliminary findings indicate that gamification substantially enhances vocabulary retention compared to traditional methods, supporting the hypothesis that gamification is an effective tool for language education. The results suggest that gamification not only increases engagement but also improves vocabulary acquisition, providing a more interactive and rewarding learning experience. This study adds to the growing evidence supporting gamification and suggests further research on its long-term impacts and effectiveness across different demographics and educational contexts.
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