ENHANCING YOUNG LEARNERS' ATTENTION AND MOTIVATION THROUGH GAMIFICATION IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

Abstract

This article explores the role of gamification in English Language Teaching (ELT), focusing on its impact on sustaining attention and increasing motivation among young learners. In the digital era, children are constantly exposed to games and multimedia, which shape their learning styles, while traditional methods such as memorization often fail to keep them engaged. Gamification, understood as the use of game-like elements such as points, badges, and rewards in educational contexts, offers an innovative solution by making lessons more interactive and student-centered. It enhances concentration, motivation, and retention, while also fostering collaboration, creativity, and self-confidence—skills essential for early language development. This paper discusses the theoretical background of gamification, its practical classroom applications, and its effectiveness in language acquisition.