The Development and Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning Prototypes for Daily Life Words at B1 Level: A Case Study of Engineering Students in Thailand

Abstract

In order to communicate effectively, it is undeniable that language learners should have rich vocabularies. In this study, online games are proposed to be an effective learning method in language teaching and learning. The study aimed at constructing game prototypes–online intermediate daily life lexicon (IDLL) games, assessing quality of online IDLL games, and investigating effectiveness of these games. This study comprised two stages: design and evaluation. Quality of the online games was validated by four experts and 109 games players. Experts were asked to complete the IDLL evaluation form, whereas 109 game players were assigned to complete the learning experience questionnaire and learners’ satisfaction questionnaire. Effectiveness of the online games in relation to English vocabulary knowledge at B1 level was measured by the IDLL mini pretest and posttest. Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, arithmetic mean, t-test dependent sample, and the effect size (ES) on learners’ gained scores. Qualitative data were investigated using content analysis of the IDLL evaluation form and learners’ satisfaction questionnaire. The findings revealed that the developed online games appear to be good learning material since both experts and learners view the games at the acceptable quality with sone revision needed further, such as learning content, game design, website design, technical limitation, and human errors. The findings also suggested that the developed online games were effective since students’ vocabulary knowledge had improved. Furthermore, students reported that they felt positive about the online games since they felt that they could learn in an enjoyable and interactive environment. Therefore, it was considered that this method can be used for teaching vocabulary within the Thai context. However, further development and revision were needed since the study was a trial process.