The effect of games on learning new languages (group 7)

Introduction

 Learning a language is a difficult task that can be frustrating at times. Understanding, producing, and manipulating the target language necessitates constant effort. Students can benefit from well-chosen games because they provide a break while also allowing them to improve language skills. Games are very motivating since they are both entertaining and challenging. Furthermore, they use language that is relevant and beneficial in real-life situations. They also promote and enhance collaboration.Games are extremely motivating since they are entertaining and engaging. They can be utilized to practice all 

language skills as well as a variety of communication styles.

games can offer a welcome break from the usual routine of the language class:

 • They are motivating and challenging

 • Learning a language requires a great deal of effort. Games help students to make and sustain the effort of learning  

 • Games provide language practice in the various skills – speaking, writing, listening and reading   

 • They encourage students to interact and communicate

 •   

 • They create a meaningful context for language use

Games can be successfully used in many ways, such as for a quick review, after material has been covered or as a cool-down activity at the end of a lesson to practice what has been covered (as well as to inject an element of fun). You could also use a game to practice specific new language in groups or pairs for a limited time, as a short introduction to new vocabulary or a concept, as a prompt for writing work, even as a link into a new part of the lesson. Games may even be used merely to change the pace of a lesson.

Can video games and educational games help learners to learn a 

language ?

Experts invited students from one of the schools to solve dozens of tasks, for example, create a navigation map using math, language and design based on the game. The results surprised and pleased the researchers. Students demonstrated a high level of motivation for learning, excellent computer skills, as well as a higher desire to solve problems and work with teammates According to scientists, the use of indie games in the future for educational purposes should be a useful and important tool to improve teaching and learning methods

Students who moderately play computer games have more developed spatial thinking, can swiftly switch their attention from one object to another, can monitor multiple occurrences at once, and have a more developed sense of visual information than their non-playing peers. The usage of computer games improves memory, attention, and pattern recognition much easier and faster to develop. Furthermore, the benefits of computer games can be visible with a sensible approach: certain games are the greatest way to relax, some increase students' reaction speed and logical thinking, while others provide an opportunity to release accumulated energy. And students playing games over the Internet develop communication skills. Thus, games should definitely be included in the 

 educational system on a large scale, as their significant advantages are already visible.

References:

Games for Language Learning’ (2nd. Ed.) by Andrew Wright, David Betteridge and Michael Buckby. Cambridge University Press, 1984.

‘Six Games for the EFL/ESL Classroom’ by Aydan Ersöz. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. VI, No. 6, June 2000.