In a recent 2010 study by Luu Trong Tuan and Nguyen Thi Minh Doan, researchers examined the use of games and the advantages gaming and web-based instructional technolgoies had on grammar instruction.
Some advantages as listed by the researchers: 1.) From a functional viewpoint, "opens a number of enancements supporting educational processes" 2.) "promoted several kinds of motivational strategies that can be used individually or in combination" (meaning the visual and interactive features) 3.) "Computers don't get patient of disgusted looks when students give wrong answers", building confidence 4.) "Feeback from computers can remain unbiased, accurate, and non-judgemental" 5.) Immediate, accurate feedback, saving teacher time 6.) Flexible learning environment enabling individualized pacing 7.) Raises learner awareness.
As discussed throughout this blog, technology has the capability to allow grammar lessons to be more effective, motivating, and interesting, allowing more opportunity and flexibility. The next step is how to implement? Games are a great way to use multimedia approaches and web based strategies to teaching grammar. The element of fun, as discussed as a motivating factor, is the main advantage for students.
There are obviously different types of games that will have different outcomes, depending on your students levels. Some classifications of language games are sorting, ordering and arranging games, information gap games, guessing games, search games, match games, labelling games, exhanging games, board games and role play games. Each of these clasifications can be adapted, and most already are, to the web. No matter what method you choose, it should be noted that language learning is hard work, it is acquisition of a skill, not memorization, and that is one obvious reason grammar is such a debated issue. Effort is required and "games help and encourage many learners to sustain their interest and work"(70).
Games are collaborative, or competitive, however you may set it up , and because all students have to use effort, games can be a way to motivate and sustain this learning longterm. Games are fun, lowering anxiety and making acquistiton of the skill more likely. When working collaborativley, in this setting, meaningful conversation is exchanged. One of the advantages of web based grammar instruction that I mentioned earlier is individualization and learner autonomy but at the same time, collaborative principles and the opportunity for collaborative is another important advantage that multimedia web based grammar instruction can offer. When students are required to complete a task, talk about it in a strategic way, and then implement and utilize these strategies to win a game, skill acquistion is much more likely. Flashcards, exercises and memorization have been and will continue to be ineffective.
Gaming and web based mulitmedia approaches are multi faceted and non linear. Students are using a number of skills at once, from listening to speaking to writing and reading, versus just writing or just listening to a grammar lesson. Although I mention earlier that we need not make assumptions on what we see as the digital natives, I do agree that "we are teaching a new generation of students, which requires unconventional teaching strategies be put into practice in the classroom"(72).
Works Cited: 1. Tuan, Luu Trong and Nguyen Thi Minh Doan. "Teaching English Grammar Through Games." Studies in Literature and Language. Vol. 1. No. 7. 2010. pp 61-75.
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