Investigating the impact of gamification on student engagement and vocabulary achievement in a blended EAP course

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Tezin Türü: Doktora

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Foreign Language Education, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2023

Tezin Dili: İngilizce

Öğrenci: ÖZGÜR DOĞAN

Asıl Danışman (Eş Danışmanlı Tezler İçin): Nurdan Gürbüz

Eş Danışman: TARKAN GÜRBÜZ

Özet:

This study explores the impact of gamification elements on student engagement and vocabulary learning in a blended English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course. The study was conducted in a public university in Turkey with 69 participants who were randomly assigned to either a gamified or a non-gamified group. The research utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining a pretest-posttest control group design with qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews. The results indicated that the gamified group had significantly higher levels of engagement compared to the nongamified group, and they also showed greater gains in receptive vocabulary. The qualitative data revealed that the gamification elements were perceived positively by the students and contributed to their motivation and enjoyment of the course. Further research is recommended to fully understand the potential of gamification in enhancing student engagement and vocabulary learning in educational settings. The findings of this study have practical implications for educators who are interested in  incorporating gamification elements in their teaching practice to create more engaging and motivating learning environments for their students.