Game-based Learning to develop English skills among bachelor students

Abstract

Improving English proficiency, especially in regions where it is not the mother tongue, can pose a number of challenges. As a result, a number of researchers have taken steps to investigate and create new strategies to address this problem. Aiming to strengthen English language learning and skills such as listening, reading, speaking, and writing, this study constructed a Game-based Learning strategy to improve English skills in bachelor students. This study is quasi-experimental, with a quantitative approach and descriptive scope, since the participants were first, selected through the convenience and opportunity sampling method, then classified into control and experimental groups, and finally, evaluated through the Cambridge Test PET (Preliminary English Test B1) which functioned as a pre-test and post-test. The results obtained in the pre-test and post-test were contrasted to test the hypotheses and finally draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the strategy. Among the main results, it was found that the experimental group improved their level of English by 18%, which was an enriching experience in the application of Gamification in English skills.