The Impact of Gamification “Kahoot App” in Teaching English for Academic Purposes

Abstract

Incorporating gamification into foreign language learning is a successful and effective strategy for improving learners' level of language skills and helping them to master communication with others. This study aimed to determine the impact of Kahoot, a gamification-based technological application, on English language vocabulary for academic purposes and motivation. Thus, 60 students were selected from among the university students enrolled in the English Language for Academic Purposes course. These students were randomly split into two equal classes: the control and experimental groups. English vocabulary Test was given to both groups following a pre-test, with the experimental group receiving Kahoot instruction while the control group received traditional instruction. The teaching continued for ten weeks, after which the students were tested with a post-test on the same vocabulary learned. Moreover, a motivation scale was used to identify the effect of Kahoot in enhancing the students' motivation toward learning English for academic purposes. The results showed positive results on the extent of the positive impact (of the Kahoot learning tool based on gamification) in learning English vocabulary for academic purposes and motivation.