TEACHING WORDS TO YOUNG ENGLISH LEARNERS THROUGH GAMES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37547/mesmj-V4-I3-03Keywords:
vocabulary,, game,, young learnersAbstract
Vocabulary teaching has been neglected for many years and often not taken seriously (Carter, 1998). However, it is gaining momentum as an innovative strategy to engage readers. Although this methodology is not appreciated in traditional settings, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Asia, it is taking root in the private sector and advanced institutions. Vocabulary is considered as the main factor that connects all skills needed in communication. This article aims to prove that games are very effective in teaching vocabulary and influence young learners' interest and interest in language. This paper presents a literature review on teaching English vocabulary through games to young English language learners in Iran. It discusses practical games instruction and how games can be taught more effectively. It describes the purpose and importance of games and how they should be selected and implemented by teachers. Three games for teaching vocabulary are introduced, and then the specific challenges of teaching vocabulary through games are discussed.
Downloads
References
Aghlara, L., & Tamjid, N. H. (2011). The effect of digital games on Iranian children's vocabulary retention in foreign language acquisition. Procedia-social and Behavioural Sciences, 29, 552-560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.11.275
Ajibade, Y., & Ndububa, K. (2008). Effects of word games, culturally relevant songs, and stories on students’ motivation in a Nigerian English language class. TESL Canada Journal, 26(1), 27–48. https://doi.org/10.18806/tesl.v26i1.128
Alavi, G. & Gilakjani, A. P. (2019). The effectiveness of games in enhancing vocabulary learning among Iranian third grade high school students. Malaysian Journal of ELT Research, 16(1), 1-16.
Al-Masri, A. A., & Najar, M. A. (2014). The effect of using word games on primary stage students’ achievement in English language vocabulary in Jordan. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 4(9), 144-152. Retrieved December 13, 2020, from https://bit.ly/3wBdoPv
Allen, V. F. (1983). Techniques in teaching vocabulary. Oxford University Press: New York.
Al Neyadi, O. (2007). The effects of using games to reinforce vocabulary learning. In Marifa H.C.T. (Ed.), Action research and initial teacher education in the UAE (pp. 99-107). HCT Press, UAE. Retrieved November 2020, from https://cutt.ly/BWiLL1b
Anil, B. (2011). Teaching vocabulary through games- a sanguine step. i-Manager’s Journal on English Language Teaching, 1(4), 46-50. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.1.4.1605
Aslanabadi, H., & Rasouli, G. (2013). The effect of games on improvement of Iranian EFL vocabulary knowledge in kindergartens. International Review of Social Sciences and Humanities, 6(1), 186-195.
Bakhsh, S. A. (2016). Using games as a tool in teaching vocabulary to young learners. English language teaching, 9(7), 120- 128. http://dx.doi.org/10.55ow 39/elt.v9n7p120
Blachowicz, C. L., & Fisher, P. (2006). Teaching vocabulary in all classrooms. Columbus: OH: Prentice-Hall.
Brown, H. D. (2001). Teaching by principle: An interactive approach to language pedagogy. New York: Longman.
Cameron, L. (2001). Children learning a foreign language. In L. Cameron (Ed.). Teaching languages to young learners (pp 1- 20). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Cárdenas, J., & Ostrom, E. (2004). What do people bring into the game? Experiments in the field about cooperation in the commons. Agricultural Systems, 82(3), 307-326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2004.07.008
Carter, R. (1998). Vocabulary: Applied linguistic perspectives (2nd edition). London, UK: Routledge.
Chen, I. J. (2005). Using games to promote communicative skills in language learning. The Internet TESL Journal, 11(2), 1-4.
Chuang, H. Y. (2007). The study of foreign language anxiety, English learning motivation and strategies in the elementary school. Unpublished master’s thesis, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan.
Coady, J., & Huckin, T. (1997). Second language vocabulary acquisition: a rationale for pedagogy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language (Second Edition). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Daneshfar, S., & Moharami, M. (2018). Dynamic assessment in Vygotsky's sociocultural theory: Origins and main concepts. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 9(3), 600-607. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17507/jltr.0903.20
Decarrico, J. S. (2001). Vocabulary learning and teaching. In M. Celce-Murcia (Ed.), Teaching English as a second or foreign language (3rd Ed.) (p. 285-301). Boston: Heinle & Heinle. Retrieved January 12, 2021, from https://cutt.ly/GWiZwdB
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Gulchehra N. Alibekova
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
