Gamification strategies on the development of English listening comprehension skills

Abstract

English classes have faced some difficulties in attracting students' interest in the English listening comprehension class using the traditional method of learning. Most of the students are losing their interest in the English Language class due to lack of engagement between students and teachers. This is an action research study focused to improve English listening comprehension skill by using gamification among superior basic education students at a public institution Loja city. A convenience sample of 35 students participated in the study for eight weeks with 40 hours of instruction. To achieve the objective of the study, the researcher applied a pre-test, post-test, and a questionnaire were used to gather quantitative and qualitative data. The test included five questions about listening sub-skills: listening for general understanding, sequence and for specific information. A mixed-question type of questionnaire was administered to determine students’ perceptions about gamification strategies such as badges, rewards, leaderboards, competition, motivation, dynamic and listening games. The pre-test and post-test difference indicated that the students increased meaningfully in listening comprehension skill. Furthermore, the questionnaire discovered that gamification strategies had good students’ perceptions, because they increased their motivation, competency, social interaction and the dynamic environment in the class