Language learning games when teaching english to young learners

Abstract

The relevance of the study is due to the need to optimize the teaching-learning process by reducing children’s stress and increasing their self-esteem via employing game-based techniques. It is the language learning games (LLG) that allow greater involvement of beginners into the educational process. The purpose of the study is to develop a model of a gamified English lesson, on the basis of which it is possible to conduct classes with younger students. The research methods were the method of a needs analysis (a questionnaire and an oral test) and a pedagogical experiment. 20 teachers took part in the survey, with the experiment involving 39 students. The model of an English lesson based on LLG has been developed and tested. The developed model of a gamified lesson has proved its effectiveness. The number of students experiencing difficulty demonstrating language skills decreased significantly. Properly chosen LLG had a beneficial effect on memorizing speech pattern and words under study. The study has demonstrated that gamification incorporated into foreign language education contributes to the creation of a learner-centered educational environment, which allows minimizing stress and increasing academic performance.