Gamification-Based Learning as The Future of Language Learning: An Overview

Gamification or game-based learning is the current trend in education which is steadily increasing its popularity across several fields involving academic learning. Gamification is the incorporation of gaming elements into a learning environment in order to increase engagement and participation. It enhances learner’s participation, motivate actions, efficiently improve their academic performance as well as effectively facilitate language learning. Undoubtedly, participation is essential for an effective game-based language learning system. Language learning through games can take many forms, such as role-playing games to practice communication or board games to reinforce grammar. Furthermore, gamified learning software, for example, may boost student engagement, retention and academic performance. On the one hand, proponents of gamification claim that it improves learning. Gamification reinforces important educational skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. Moreover, it is argued that the requirement for interaction in a gamified approach to education encourages students to participate actively in their education, resulting in increased student engagement in online forums, projects, and other learning activities. E-learning platforms seem to potentially enhance students’ motivation, and great efforts are needed to develop and implement an experience to make it completely motivating to participants. Gamification research is gaining traction and promises to aid in the resolution of many issues. Hence, this article could potentially offer ideas to educators to design technology-mediated learning environments. Based on a review of various prior works, this article explored the many reasons gamification should be incorporated into school curriculums for language learning, as well as the benefits for learners. It also critically focused on the application of gamification components to improve learning via online learning systems.