Gamification and Language Learning: Perspectives From Learners

Introduction

Digital technology has potential to fundamentally transforms language education by introducing dynamic, interactive, and personalized learning experiences. It shifts the traditional classroom dynamic from a passive reception of information to an engaging participatory culture where students actively contribute to their learning processes. This shift not only helps educators meet evolving educational demands but also equips students with essential communicative and cultural competencies for the digital age. The use of digital tools in English language teaching has significantly enhanced the acquisition of key language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Moreover, the integration of game elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards into language learning activities leverages both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors to enhance learner engagement (Hamari, Koivisto, & Sarsa, 2014).

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the integration of gamification—using game elements in non-game contexts with competition as a motivational tool—into language education. This approach is driven by the desire to alleviate the monotony of conventional learning methods and to accommodate various learning styles. Research has shown that gamified learning environments can significantly increase motivation, enhance engagement, and promote language learning autonomy (Baldeón et al., 2016; Chen et al., 2020). These tools facilitate engaging learning experiences that cater to diverse learner needs, effectively supporting the development of language competencies (Dehghanzadeh et al., 2019; Raffone, 2022; Thanyawatpokin & Vollmer, 2022).

Understanding the experiences and perspectives of learners in gamified environments is critical for multiple reasons. Firstly, it allows educators to assess how effectively gamification meets the diverse needs of students. Secondly, insights from learners can help refine these environments to better align with educational objectives and learner preferences. Lastly, such evaluations are vital for understanding the psychological and motivational dynamics that underpin successful language learning in gamified settings (Dehghanzadeh et al., 2019; Helvich et al., 2023; Laura-De La Cruz et al., 2023; Zhang & Hashim, 2023).

Gamification in language education has evolved significantly due to advancements in digital technology, becoming a prominent strategy for enhancing student engagement and language acquisition. This technique involves integrating game-design elements into educational settings to create dynamic, interactive learning experiences (Hamari, Koivisto, & Sarsa, 2014). Research suggests that gamification can improve motivation and engagement, which are vital for effective learning (Bai et al., 2020; Dichev & Dicheva, 2017; Thanyawatpokin & Vollmer, 2022). Applications such as points and badges in language learning contexts not only increase interaction but also boost retention rates, making the learning process more enjoyable (Gao et al., 2024; Raffone, 2022). Empirical studies highlight the benefits of gamification in enhancing specific language skills such as vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension, confirming its potential to transform traditional learning models into more engaging frameworks (Dehghanzadeh et al., 2019; Qiao et al., 2023).