The value of gamification for language learning

What is gamification, and how can it be used in language learning? It is a way to turn a seemingly boring activity into something fun and motivating.

Gamification occurs when you take a language learning activity and make it into a game. It can be anything that helps learners achieve the course outcomes. For example, doing a roleplay, answering questions on a reading text, or completing a vocabulary exercise.

So how can you make these learning activities into games? First, let’s define what a game is.

A game is a form of play that includes:

• game rules

• goals

• competition

• chance

We do these to increase student engagement and motivate them to do tasks. Gamification also makes use of five different elements that engage and motivate students. They are:

• points

• badges

• levels

• leader boards

• challenges

Many teachers already add elements of games such as competition or game rules without even thinking about it. But this may be too simplistic; and other elements will make gamification a more rewarding experience.

When gamification is done well, it creates a positive learning environment and motivates students to learn better.

In practice, certain protocols can be followed in which the teacher and class agree on behaviour and expectations, with points awarded to the whole class when expectations are fulfilled.

Achievement levels are set and when one of these is met, students are rewarded, e.g. no homework for one week. This brings in points, levels and challenges and makes the students willing to learn.

For more details, visit the website https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jUwPDIYRXo