Education Quarterly Reviews
ISSN 2621-5799
Published: 28 May 2024
Gamification for Learning English as a Second Language in Sri Lanka
Chamod Malintha, L. K. Pulasthi Dhananjaya Gunawardhana
University of Sri Jayewardenapura, Sri Lanka
Download Full-Text Pdf
10.31014/aior.1993.07.02.583
Pages: 139-146
Keywords: Gamification, Gamified Learning Platforms, Learning English as a Second Language, LESL Sri Lanka
Abstract
Despite the global importance of English proficiency, Sri Lankan students often struggle with mastering the language, as reflected in the country's unsatisfactory ranking in the English Proficiency Index (EPI). The traditional classroom-based teaching methods in Sri Lanka have not effectively addressed these challenges, necessitating innovative approaches to language learning. Gamification, the integration of gaming elements into non-game environments, has shown promising outcomes in enhancing learning motivation and academic performance, particularly in developed nations. However, its application within the Sri Lankan educational context remains limited. This study examines the potential of gamification in learning English as a second language (LESL) in Sri Lanka and identifies factors favourable to its integration into the education system. Key factors include the growing technological infrastructure, high internet penetration, and positive attitudes towards technology among students and teachers. By applying gamification to the educational context, Sri Lanka can revolutionise its language acquisition strategies, bridging the proficiency gap and creating a more engaging and effective learning environment essential for success in today's globalised world.
References
Angelia, F., Suharjito, S., & Isa, S. M. (2021). Improving English Learning by Gamification with MDA Framework. Journal of Games, Game Art, and Gamification, 5(2), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.21512/jggag.v5i2.7474
Bachofner, M. (2022, May 24). What is a learning platform? Cleverclip. https://www.cleverclip.ch/en/blog/what-is-a-learning-platform
Boyinbode, O. (2018, August 8). Development of a Gamification Based English Vocabulary MobileLearning System. International Journal of Computer Science and MobileComputing, 7(8), 183-191.
Cambridge English Language Assessment. (n.d.). Quiz Your English is a Great Way to Practice, Improve, and Test Your English. Quiz Your English; Cambridge University. Retrieved April 6, 2024, from https://quizyourenglish.com/
Chandrasekara, S. N. B. (2021). Suitability of Gamification as a New Media Platform for Primary Education in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Open University Research Sessions (OURS 2021).
Dehghanzadeh, H., Fardanesh, H., Hatami, J., Talaee, E., & Noroozi, O. (2019). Using gamification to support learning English as a second language: a systematic review. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 34(7), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2019.1648298
Deterding, S., Dixon, D., Khaled, R., & Nacke, L. (2011, September). From game design elements to gamefulness: defining" gamification". In Proceedings of the 15th international academic MindTrek conference: Envisioning future media environments (pp. 9-15).
EdTech Masterplan 2030. (2023, September 20). Www.moe.gov.sg; Ministry of Education. https://www.moe.gov.sg/education-in-sg/educational-technology-journey/edtech-masterplan
Education First. (2022). EF EPI 2022 - EF English Proficiency Index. Ef.com. https://www.ef.com/wwen/epi/
Ellis. (n.d.). Learning English as a Second Language: Why and How? Langster. Retrieved April 4, 2024, from https://langster.org/en/blog/learning-english-as-a-second-language-why-and-how
Fazeena, J. F., Y. Ekanayaka, &Hewagamage, K. P. (2013). Suitability of M-Learning to Enhance Learning English language. International Association for Development of the Information Society.
Foreign language teaching in Finland’s world-leading education system. (2020, August 12). Sanako; Sanako Blog. https://sanako.com/foreign-language-teaching-in-finlands-world-leading-education-system
Gaffney, G. (2021, October 28). Countries That Speak English as a Second Language. The Irish English Teacher. https://theirishenglishteacher.com/countries-that-speak-english-as-a-second-language/
Halik, A. F. A., & Umashankar, S. (2022). ESL learners’ attitude towards learning English: a study based on teachers’ perspectives in the selected schools in the Trincomalee district, Sri Lanka.
Halloluwa, T., Vyas, D., Usoof, H.,Hewagamage, K. P., & Sahama, T. (2016). Gamifying Mathematics for PrimaryStudents in Rural Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 9th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction. https://doi.org/10.1145/2971485.2971522
Hasanah, N., & Utami, P. T. (2019). Emerging Challenges of Teaching English in Non-Native English-Speaking Countries: Teachers' View. English Language Teaching Educational Journal, 2(3), 112-120.
Heryadi, Y., & Muliamin, K. (2016, December 1). Gamification of M-learning Mandarin as second language. IEEE Xplore. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICGGAG.2016.8052645
ICT Education in Sri Lanka – From School to University. (2017, May 12). Sri Lanka Export Development Board.https://www.srilankabusiness.com/blog/ict-education-in-sri-lanka.html
Jayasinghe, R. (2020). Introduction to Sri Lankan English. Oxford English Dictionary. https://www.oed.com/discover/introduction-to-sri-lankan-english
Jigzi. (n.d.). Jewish Interactive. Retrieved April 4, 2024, from https://www.jewishinteractive.org/
Kemp, S. (2023, February 14). Digital2023: Sri Lanka. DataReportal – Global Digital Insights.https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2023-sri-lanka
Learn a Language for Free. (2024). Duolingo. https://www.duolingo.com/
Learn Hebrew and Experience Israel at Home. (n.d.). OFEK. Retrieved April 4, 2024, from https://www.ofekhub.org/
Matt. (2021, June 17). The Complete List Of EVERY Duolingo Language. Duo Planet. https://duoplanet.com/duolingo-languages-list/
Navaz, M., & Majeed, A. (2021). English education in Sri Lanka with emphasis on English Medium Instruction at secondary and tertiary levels: The past, present and future.
Nordquist, R. (2019, July 1). What Is English as a Second Language? ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/english-as-a-second-language-esl-1690599
Perera, B. (2022, March 5). The 10 Most In-Demand Future Jobs To Look For Starting in 2022. Lanka Talents.https://www.lankatalents.lk/the-10-most-in-demand-future-jobs-to-look-for-starting-in-2022/
Performance of Candidates G.C.E. (O/L) Examination – 2022. (2022). Research & Development Branch (School Examinations) Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka National Evaluation & Testing Service. https://doenets.lk/statistics
Ranasinghe, S. (2012). Perceptions of university students on the role of English language proficiency in career choice and mobility.
Ranaweera, D. K. D. A. (2021, March). Going beyond the traditional method of teaching: A model for the future. In Proceedings of the 7th International Research Conference on Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS).
Shortt, M., Tilak, S., Kuznetcova, I., Martens, B., & Akinkuolie, B. (2021). Gamification in mobile-assisted language learning: a systematic review of Duolingo literature from public release of 2012 to early 2020. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 36(3), 1–38. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2021.1933540
Sri Lankan Journals Online. (n.d.). National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka. https://sljol.info/site/journals/hosted/
Toasa, R., Burbano, E., Constante, A., Hidalgo, L., & Morales, F. (2019). A Custom and Dynamic Game using Gamification Techniques to Children from 4 to 5 years old. 2019 14th Iberian Conference on Information Systems and Technologies (CISTI). https://doi.org/10.23919/cisti.2019.8760593
Tshering, P., Norbu, D., Dorji, S., Dema, N., & Dhungyel, P. R. (2018). Experience of a Gamified Spelling Solving by Students for Learning Spelling: Development of Kids Spell Dzongkha App. 2018 International Conference on Current Trends towards Converging Technologies (ICCTCT). https://doi.org/10.1109/icctct.2018.8550865
Wikipedia Contributors. (2019, October 16). Education in Sri Lanka. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Sri_Lanka
Wordscapes. (n.d.). Google Play. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.peoplefun.wordcross&hl=en&gl=US