English Language Learning Through Non-Technology Games: A Case Study of International Students at a Lithuanian University

Authors

Nagaletchimee Annamalai, Universiti Sains MalaysiaFollow
Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan, Universiti Sains MalaysiaFollow
Radzuwan Ab Rashid, Universiti Sultan Zainal AbidinFollow
Giedre Valunaite Oleskevicience, Mykolo Romerio UniversityFollow
Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė, Mykolo Romerio UniversityFollow

Abstract

Research on gamified language learning often involves the use of digital games. Little is known about the use of non-technology games in promoting language learning despite their accessibility. This paper aims to fill in this lacuna by providing insights into international students’ engagement in non-technology gamified English language learning in the context of a Lithuanian university. The research, which used a case study approach as its methodology, involved a total of 30 international students at a Lithuanian university together with their two instructors. They were observed for two weeks, and then interviewed by the researchers. An inductive thematic analysis approach proposed by Braun and Clark was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that the students’ engagement with the non-technology gamified lessons have impacted them positively as they believe that they have improved English language proficiency and better mastery of the 21-st century learning skills. However, the participants raised several issues related to cultural sensitivity and blurred learning outcomes. This study concluded that non-technology games serve as a useful tool in promoting language learning in the 21^st century if it is carefully designed to attract learners’ interests and at the same to time meet the learning outcomes. This study is hoped to encourage practitioners to experiment with non-technology gamified lessons and provide guidelines for them in conducting effective non-technology gamified lessons.

Keywords

gamified language learning, Lithuanian, fun learning, qualitative, collaborative learning

Author Bio(s)

Dr Nagaletchimee Annamalai is currently a Senior Lecturer with the School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her research interests include innovative technologies in education, mobile learning, TESL, qualitative research, and gamification.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan is a Professor at the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang. His research interests include ICT and English Language Education and, professional development and critical practices of teachers.

Associate Professor Dr. Radzuwan Ab Rashid is a lecturer in the Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia. His research interests include technology-enhanced learning, discourse studies, and teacher professional development.

Giedre Valunaite Oleskeviciene is a lecturer in Mykola Romeris University,Lithuania.Her are of interests include discourse research, discourse annotated corpora and language teaching and learning.

Vilhelmina Vaiciuniene is currently an Associate Professor in Mykola Romeris University.Her area of interests include translation theory and practice, innovations in language, teaching information and media literacy.

Publication Date

10-21-2021

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4986

Recommended APA Citation

Annamalai, N., Kabilan, M., Ab Rashid, R., Oleskevicience, G. V., & Vaičiūnienė, V. (2021). English Language Learning Through Non-Technology Games: A Case Study of International Students at a Lithuanian University. The Qualitative Report, 26(10), 3261-3278. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4986