ERIC Number: EJ1192391
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1750-1229
EISSN: N/A
The Playful Frame: Gamification in a French-as-a-Foreign-Language Class
Cruaud, Caroline
Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, v12 n4 p330-343 2018
There is increased interest in the use of gamification as an innovative practice in the field of training and education. Based on the use of game mechanics, gamification aims at engaging students in their learning. However, there is not much research on the use of gamification in school settings, especially when it comes to foreign language learning; hence, we know little about to what extent this aim is actually fulfilled. This study intends to contribute to filling this research gap. Silva's four dimensions of play--built from Henriot's theory of play--are used as an analytical framework to study a teaching situation where a gamified application, developed for this research project, was introduced in a French-as-a-foreign-language class in a Norwegian upper secondary school. This article focuses on the students' engagement in their learning activities and their control over the tasks. The interaction analysis of video data reveals that students are indeed showing expressions of playfulness and autonomy. The analysis also shows that the students are engaged in the activity and are voluntarily completing additional language tasks. These findings are promising for the use of gamified resources in foreign language learning classes.
Descriptors: French, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Play, Instructional Innovation, Guidelines, Learner Engagement, Learning Activities, Personal Autonomy, Video Technology, Foreign Countries, Computer Games, Educational Games, High School Students, Teaching Methods
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Norway
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A