GAMIFICATION IN FUN ENGLISH TEACHING AN LEARNING FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS

Abstrak

Planning a creative learning environment is not an easy task. Teachers prefer to teach traditionally in chalk-and-talk approach during language teaching.However, this does not fit learners of the 21st Century as they prefer game like activities instead of pen-and-paper lessons. Hence, the introduction of gamification in classroom would result in immediate enthusiasm and curiosity, which leads to the learners’ willingness to learn. Gamification prepares learners to be active and take responsibility upon their own learning. Lessons filled with fun games are believed to be more effective in producing a positive outcome as learners are motivated to play more although they do not realise the fact that they are learning subconsciously. This study aimed to explore views of 33 pre-service teachers in using gamification in language teaching during their 16- week internship at local primary schools around Selangor, Malaysia. A quantitative survey research method was used .

Gamification in education plays an important role in improving learners’ creative, critical and problem- solving skills. The integration of interesting and engaging activities sparks learners’ interest in language learning subconsciously. In correlation with the findings, participants agreed that the use of gamification activities could further learners’ anxiety and the use of games that are highly motivating and entertaining could attract learners with weak proficiency into participating in classroom learning. Without technology support and teacher resources, the success in classroom education will be hampered. Hence, a successful learning environment for learners requires the support from the school authority to continuously provide training its teachers