The Effectiveness of Game-based Learning Strategies on Primary ESL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning

Abstract

Vocabulary is an essential component in learning English. This is the foundation for all other skills, such as reading, listening, speaking and writing. Vocabulary is a crucial tool for primary ESL learners who want to use English successfully. They cannot fully understand and communicate their views and ideas if they lack vocabulary. Teaching vocabulary through conventional chalk and talk is challenging. Nonetheless, past research has shown that teaching vocabulary using traditional chalk and talk method is difficult. Pupils are demotivated to learn and fail to remember the words learnt. As a result, games are widely used in the classroom to teach vocabulary. Therefore, this paper presents a systematic literature review on the effectiveness of game-based learning strategies on primary ESL learners’ vocabulary learning. This paper aims to highlight the challenges faced by the pupils in learning English vocabulary and their perceptions on the use of game-based learning strategies in learning English vocabulary. This systematic literature review analysis used Khan et al. (2003)’s five-phase reviewing process to examine 16 journal articles published between 2014 and 2022. The findings revealed that game-based learning strategies are beneficial and practical in enhancing pupils’ English vocabulary learning. The challenges are limited learning resources, problems in pronouncing and understanding meaning of English words, influence of the pupils’ native language and lack of ongoing professional training among teachers. By taking into account all of the challenges and benefits advanced. would contribute to educators to incorporate educational games in the classroom to help pupils in vocabulary learning.