THE IMPACT OF USING GAMES ON COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING
Keywords:
game-oriented context, target language, language learning process, acquisition of input, instructional effectiveness, entertaining learning methods, communicative competence, learner motivation, cooperative learning, language skill developmentAbstract
Games are frequently employed in foreign language classrooms as warm-up exercises or to fill spare moments at the end of a lesson. However, their educational potential extends far beyond mere time-fillers. Incorporating a wide variety of games into the core language instruction process significantly enhances learner motivation by creating meaningful and enjoyable opportunities to use the target language. Games offer dynamic platforms for practicing all four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—while simultaneously fostering communicative competence in an interactive environment. Particularly for younger learners, whose intrinsic motivation to learn a foreign language may be limited, the integration of games into lessons becomes essential. By making the learning experience more engaging and less intimidating, games help learners absorb language input more naturally and retain it more effectively. Moreover, game-based activities promote cooperative learning, build learner confidence, and stimulate both cognitive and affective aspects of language acquisition. Therefore, the strategic and purposeful use of games should be recognized as a powerful tool in enhancing the overall effectiveness of language education.
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