Use of Board Games to Enhance English Vocabulary Learning in Ninth-Grade Students.

Abstract

Vocabulary learning is the key to communication; however, applying traditionalist methodologies can make English language enrichment more challenging for students. Therefore, to address this problem, the researcher carried out exploratory action research that seeks to analyze the influence of board games on vocabulary learning. Forty-two ninth-grade learners in a public school made up the sample research. In this research, the author conducted an extensive literature review and collected qualitative data using a diagnostic test and a final test to establish a reference of the general learners’ vocabulary level before and after the implementations, observations through field journals during the interventions, and in-depth focus group discussion to capture learners' perceptions regarding the use of board games. After interpreting and analyzing the information gathered, it was concluded that the board game activities positively influenced the vocabulary learning experience of the participants since these activities helped them retain vocabulary in terms of form and meaning. In addition, it allowed for a notable improvement in participation, motivation and reduced boredom levels in English classrooms.