Promoting Thai EFL Learners’ Ability to Self-correct Errors in Written English Sentences through Games

Abstract

Games have been widely accepted as an effective tool for language learning. They help learners achieve better learning outcome and create a learning atmosphere which contribute to learners’ learning. The present study, hence, employed games to help EFL learners write better in English. In the present study, games were used to encourage Thai EFL learners to self-correct errors found in their English sentences. After five weeks of learning with games, the learners’ ability to self-correct errors was observed. Their posttest average score (x =18.65, S.D.=6.05) was higher than the pretest one (x =13.58, S.D.=6.45). The results from the paired samples t-test indicated a statistically significant difference at the 0.01 level which meant that games helped promote this group of learners to self-correct errors in written English sentences. Furthermore, the learners reported that they enjoyed English writing classes with games because they motivated them to learn English in a relaxing class. The learners’ good interaction and collaboration were also observed during the games. The findings from this study imply that games should be incorporated in language classes for learners’ positive learning outcome.

Effects of Situation-Based Learning on Sentence Writing Ability of EFL Students in Thailand

“…The results showed that situation-based learning had positive effects on students' sentence writing ability. These results were in agreement with those of [4,9,11,25,28] that situation-based learning was one of the most effective methods that helps strengthen both cognitive and affective abilities of students.…”

“…These results supported the study of [28] that situation-based learning provided opportunities for students to focus on meaning in context to help students develop their language usage in a language-rich environment that provided functional meaning for their sentence writing. Besides, the results indicated that students learned new words or vocabularies in various situations which was in agreement with those of [15,18,25] that situation-based learning required cognitive operations which helped students understand unfamiliar words and phrases in various contexts. Students extracted the meaning of new words in different contexts and applied vocabulary knowledge into various contexts.…”

“…Situation-based learning gave students the freedom to make their own choices and decisions to create meanings that they wanted to express and brought their background experiences into the class which helped promote real-life and authentic communications. Besides, the results were in line with those of [18,25] that situation-based learning could reduce the fear of making mistakes and lower affective barriers in learning. Situation-based learning provided a risk-free environment for students to practice without fear of negative personal consequences.…”

Using Genially Games for Enhancing EFL Reading and Writing Skills in Online Education

“…In fact, some of the game-based activities involved recognizing appropriate transitions in a paragraph and demonstrating awareness of essay organization. As Sermsook et al (2020) acknowledged, the use of games encourages learners to develop their writing skills in English by generating enjoyable learning environments, thus ensuring that students become involved in their own learning. Regarding the implementation of gamification to improve the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, 86.95% of the participants agreed that Genially games helped them improve their grammar, whereas 91.3% mentioned that these activities helped them enhance their knowledge of vocabulary.…”

Desarrollo de la destreza de escritura a través de juegos virtuales: una experiencia didáctica en educación superior

“…En este sentido, el 100% de ellos se mostró totalmente interesado en continuar utilizando este tipo de juegos en su formación profesional como futuros docentes de inglés como lengua extranjera. Al respecto, Sermsook et al, (2020) mencionan que el uso de juegos motiva a los estudiantes durante el desarrollo de la destreza de escribir en inglés debido a que genera ambientes de aprendizaje mucho más placenteros y participativos.…”