A Systematic Literature Review on Using Game-Based Learning to Enhance English Vocabulary and Spelling for Primary School Pupils

Abstract

Learning English at a young age always start with the words level before moving on to phrases and sentences. A large vocabulary helps to prosper pupils’ proficiency in four basic English language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing. Nevertheless, previous studies have shown that mastering English vocabulary and spelling is a significant problem for language learners. Hence, this paper presents a systematic literature review of relevant published studies on using game-based learning to enhance English vocabulary and spelling for primary school pupils from the year 2016 to 2021. The purpose of the study is to answer two research questions: (a) What are the criteria for selecting and using a game to improve pupils’ vocabulary and spelling (b) How does game-based learning improve pupils’ vocabulary and spelling? A total of 15 studies were examined in depth using the process of systematic process of systematic literature review proposed by Xiao and Watson (2019). The findings showed that background information of the pupils, context, timing, learning topic, goals and features of games are some of the criteria when selecting and using a game in the classroom. Game-based learning is an effective strategy to enhance pupils’ vocabulary and spelling because it jacks up pupils’ motivation, knowledge and skills. Hence, it is hoped that future practise and research direction will be explored further.