The impact of a gamified approach on vocabulary learning and vocabulary self-efficacy: evidence from a chilean primary EFL school

Abstract

Although many studies addressing gamified approaches have documented the performance and perceptions of adult EFL learners, little research has been conducted with younger students and with a focus on specific linguistic components. Therefore, the present study assessed the impact of a gamified approach involving the use of Kahoot! on the vocabulary learning and vocabulary self-efficacy of 122 primary EFL school learners. A quasi-experimental design was applied where participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 57) that was exposed to vocabulary learning through Kahoot! and a control group (n = 65) that received traditional coursebook instruction. Ten target words were assessed through a vocabulary learning post-test, while vocabulary self-efficacy was evaluated through a questionnaire. Results revealed that both groups performed equally well regarding lexical gains, and that students in the experimental group significantly increased their vocabulary self-efficacy when compared to the control group. Pedagogical implications are discussed.