Aplicación de gamificación para potenciar el desarrollo de la habilidad de escucha en inglés en los estudiantes de educación general básica

Abstract

Abstract: This research focuses on describing how the use of gamification elements and gamified activities influence the development of listening skills in 8th grade students of basic general education at the Giovanni Battista Montini Paulo VI Educational Unit located in Quito. Listening skills in English, in particular, are essential for oral comprehension, effective communication, and participation in various contexts. However, traditional teaching of this skill often presents challenges, such as lack of student motivation and engagement, difficulties in understanding accents, and a shortage of dynamic teaching resources. To address these difficulties, it is necessary to implement new English teaching and learning strategies, adapted to the changing needs and demands of today's society. Through a literature review, this theory on gamification is confirmed and its effectiveness is reflected upon. The methodology used is based on a mixed approach, describing quantitative and qualitative data. Diagnostic and exit tests, observation sheets, and a student perception survey were used as research instruments. The results obtained highlight that gamification is an effective and motivating methodology for students, who made significant progress in developing their listening skills in English. In conclusion, it is evident that gamification emerges as an innovative method that incorporates playful elements with the aim of boosting student performance and active participation.