After reading the articles “Commentary: You’re Not Studying, You’re Just …. By Purushotma and Web 2.0, Synthetic Immersive Environments, and Mobile Resources for Language Education by Sykes, I realized how important it is to use games in language learning. Language learner get bored in using text books all the time by using games will keep them motivated to learn. I found this article in the internet; I like to share with you.
My question is how do you feel about using games for teaching language learning? Do you find it useful or a waste of time?
http://www.teflgames.com/why.html
I thought the article you linked to had some good points about the positive side of games in the classroom. I don't have any experience using computer games in the classroom, but I have found whiteboard/board games useful for review. For example, I usually have the class play "hot seat" before a quiz to refresh their memory on vocab words. In addition, I have found "Apples to Apples" to be an excellent way to reveiw all sorts of adjectives and even learn new ones.
ReplyDeleteI think I need to learn how to play Apples to Apples. I heard of this game before, but I have no idea how to play it or what it looks like.
DeleteI've never heard of apples to apples either, but I wikipediaed (is that a verb yet?) it and it sounds great for an ESL class. we should get a running list of successful ESL games and activities that we have used or know about.
DeleteThis is such a timely topic. As I mentioned in a previous class, the TexFlec conference is taking place up in Austin this Friday and Saturday. Phoenix, who just graduated from our program and is currently working for the DLI, is giving a talk at TexFlec on games for language learning. I'm curious to see what resources he identifies.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it is interesting to note how different the preferences and approaches are for language learning among different learners. I know of some students who abhor games because it stresses them out or requires too much competition. Then there are others who do like games because it can add a playful component to learning, which leads them to engage more.
After reading the article you post link, I find that using games to motivate learners has already been pretty fashionable and recommendable. I am still curious, however, about how the games influence language learners, because I have met a friend who has a kind of magic English learning experience, at least for me it is a really amazing story.
ReplyDeleteTo some extent, he was considered as a hard-to-teach student by his teacher, but he is a authentic game addict who nearly spends most of his time and a large sum of money on his favorite games. One day his parents were completely surprised at his excellent English skills during their travelling abroad. He independently ordered tickets and hotels, rent a car, planned the itinerary, talked with foreigners fluently and showed his parents around every travelling destination. He told them that he was familiar with all the places they have visited because he has learned this in games and even been as a citizen of one of the foreign cities.
This again proves that how magic the power of games for giving real world language input to learners when they enjoy the fun of games but simultaneously practice language skills necessary to role playing in game and, therefore, promote linguistically communicative competence. But I think there is one point that, if the learner realize the game that is used as teaching device in classroom how they rule out all the emotional factors to really enjoy the language input in game. Maybe this is one of concerns for teachers to pay attention to in the future.
I have often used games when teaching ELL. I have had very good experiences using games with students. The students find them enjoyable and it gives them a chance to be sociable and learn from their peers. In even my most shy and reserved classes, games have been a tool I've used to get students talking. Thumbs up on the website!
ReplyDeleteI think it is definitely useful to incorporate games into ESL instruction. Like we heard on the last CALLspot podcast, when students play games, they learn without meaning to, in order to play. I think it is great for teachers to encourage students to play games as a part of their language learning, as long as the games feel like games and not like just one more activity to be completed.
ReplyDeleteIn my view, I think using technology or games to teach ELL students is absolutely a good way to enhance their English proficiency. As everyone knows, to learn English, the purpose of second language acquisition theory is to let students receive comprehensible input and produce comprehensible output. However, some students are shy and reluctant to make respond to teachers or peers because of their different culture backgrounds. They might be silent all the way to the end. Therefore, using games or other online technologies to teach ELL students is appropriate. Because at least, those keeping silent, who are afraid to open mouth can share what they really want to express through internet instead to have face-to-face talk. Last but not least, I think this way of teaching is also able to make students motivated during the transition time before they are ready to interact with native language speakers or other none-ELL peers.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteUsing computer games in Language Education or any classroom subjects could help students to learn a lot, especially during school eduction for young learners. This system of learning should motivate to study, but mostly the younger ones.
DeleteUsing computer games to study requires some kind of competition; they are enjoyable for a younger generation of students, but they could be come addicted. I have met a family where a young boy, 12 years old, is a computer game addict. He is not doing well in school, and he does not have a social life or any friends. His life is computers and games. His mother said, "We do not know what to do with his computer game addiction. He is taking his computer while going to a toilet."
The power of computer games, of course, should be included for teaching the language or any different subject, but with some kind of restriction and control. Teachers should pay attention when use computer games to teach because, as Purushotma's article says, when "You're not studying, you're just playing...games."
I think games help and encourage many learners to sustain their interest and work, specially for young learners, through games children experiment, discover, and interact with their environment and games bring language to life.
ReplyDeleteI am more familiar with board games that I am with computer games, but I think which ever game a educator chooses to use should be meaningful and definitely not used as a "filler". I would use games like Scrabble, Bingo, Apples to Apples to reinforce vocabulary. Charades and Pictionary would also help ELLs with vocabulary as well as speaking and listening skills. I just learned about Barrier Games in Dr. Wright's class and I would one day like to use them. These types of games would take some planning, but ELLs would be developing their listening/oral proficiency skills in a creative and fun way. If I were to use a computer game, I would have to do some research to make sure it was age/grade level appropriate and that the game linked up with my content objectives as well. Overall, games in the classroom is a brilliant idea when teaching ELLs. They should be fun, but there also must be a learning objective.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's important to get students' interest, keep their attention and keep them away from boredom.However, I think it depends more on students' age and the available time in class. I also noticed that some students enjoy group work and consider it as a game especially when they have to discuss some topics and agree or disagree with each other, they find it somehow interesting and enjoying.
ReplyDeleteAs long as it gives them the needed information in a fun and easy way then why not! :) I highly suggest games in classroom since it can remind the students of the information/language whenever they play the same games outside classroom. One last point, it creates a friendly atmosphere between students and teacher.
thanks for bringing this topic Luna !
I like using games in the classroom as a chance to observe students problem-solving in action. I used games a lot when I taught abroad, partially because we were told to always make sure your students leave happy. we were told never to end the class with an exam or quiz, or doing grammar exercises, always with a fun activity or game or conversation. I've used games in many different ways: as a review, as the practice part of a new concept. I've even typed up the directions to a game and had the students figure out how to play themselves. I think games are an integral part of an interactive classroom. If you want your students to get up and walk around, and use the language, what better way than some type of game or activity.
ReplyDeleteI have not used computer games in the class, but I am very interested in trying this. I wonder how different cultures or age groups might react to certain games. Will they resent it because in their mind games are for children?
ReplyDeleteJeremy, I love the idea of Apples to Apples. I will try that!
I think that so long as students have set goals a game as a language tool would not be a waste of time. My nephew was playing a language game at the apple store that taught Spanish. He wasn't trying to learn Spanish or anything but the fact that he saw a game lured him in and he stayed on that game for a good while. The difference between this example and the games that we looked over in class and discussed in the readings is that our games aren't made with the intended goal of a language learning, it just MIGHT happen as a result of attempting to play. As for non computer based games, yes they are definitely not a waste of time. I've used games many times and they always get students to participate for the same reason that my nephew played the spanish game, even though language learning is the goal, it seems to the player that it's a side effect of fun and takes the pressure off. And as dan stated it's a chance "to observe students problem-solvong in action."
ReplyDeleteI think using the games to teach ELLs this the good way for ELL students. Because use the game to teach can make fun and to catch students mind to learn the second language. When students play games, they learn without meaning to, in order to play and maybe they will good communicated with another people. So, I think games are an integral part of an interactive classroom.
ReplyDeleteUtilizing computer games for ELL's is an excellent way for students to practice their reading, writing, and listening skills. Students learn without knowing they are actually learning, in some situations. Thus, lessening the fear factor of completing assignments.
ReplyDeleteI think games could be great activities to incorporate in classroom. Some teachers tend to forget how important games are to motivate students and allow them to have fun in class. Having games in class will create an atmosphere of competition among students which will also put the students’ language skills to work, possibly with a low affective filter. Teachers can also make informal assessments by making observations from the students.
ReplyDelete