The impact of gamification on students' motivation to learn English as a foreign language in Educación General Básica Media

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims at determining the impact of gamification on students' motivation to learn English as a foreign language in Educación General Básica Media. The research was conducted with thirty two students in the seventh grade in a public school in Loja. A mixed method approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection through four instruments. Initially, a pre test with four questions was applied to evaluate the English level of the participants and a pre survey to measure their motivation. Subsequently, during four weeks of classes, gamification was used as the main learning tool. Additionally, to record progress during the classes, an observation monitoring sheet was implemented. At the end of the study, a survey with eight questions was administered to the students to identify their perceptions on gamification, Also, a post test was applied to evaluate their progress, and a post survey to measure the increase in motivation. The results reveal a positive impact of gamification, evidencing a significant boost in students' motivation to learn English, which underscores the potential of gamification in educational settings.