There is no doubt that the integrated skills approach to English language learning has become the order of the day due to the success rates. In her article, “Integrated Skills in the ESL/EFL Classroom,” ESL Magazine, Oxford states that “the integrated-skill approach, as contrasted with the purely segregated approach, exposes English language learners to authentic language and challenges them to interact naturally in the language.” However, technology driven instruction for targeted skills has also improved the classroom learning experience significantly.  The advent of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) with an emphasis on gamification has led to more interactive classrooms. Online tools like Kahoot! transform traditional classrooms into dynamic learning platforms with more student engagement and consequently, a higher probability of language acquisition. 

Perhaps one of the cornerstones of learning a language is building vocabulary. It is common for foreign language learners to search for English words to express themselves both in writing and speaking. In fact, it is every learner’s dream to speak the target language fluently and if there was a magic wand to help them achieve that, they would jump at the opportunity! The main challenge to developing an extensive repertoire of vocabulary is usually the limited opportunities available for practicing outside the classroom. 

Why use Kahoot!?

Thanks to online learning tools and downloadable applications such as Kahoot!, learners are closer to fulfilling their aim than through rote or memorization techniques. A study by Reynolds & Taylor in 2020 at a Korean university revealed significant improvement in the experimental group using Kahoot! for vocabulary learning. An interesting finding was that while teachers are generally excited about the use of online learning applications, they are overwhelmed with the variety available to them! For my classes, Kahoot!, which is a game-based student response system, is popular because of its high engagement value, learner motivation and autonomy. The built-in interactive features of the application can also improve retention and address different learning styles. Some research suggests that learners learn vocabulary best when it is taught in ways which address their sensory preferences (visual, auditory, oral, and so on). Kahoot! has a combination of all of these which makes it my go-to app. The notable features include interactive quizzes, real time feedback and competitive elements. 

Some Recommendations

While there are some disadvantages such as the time it takes to plan ahead and create quizzes and perhaps the time taken away from more formal instruction, teachers can use Kahoot! for formative or continuous assessing and for review purposes. In addition, educators could try to adapt the quizzes to suit their students’ needs such as add visual and audio cues for visual and auditory learners respectively and hands-on participation for kinesthetic learners. 

Perhaps the best feature of Kahoot! is that it is a fun way to assess understanding of key concepts quickly and effectively. Moreover, it is a great way to alleviate the boredom which is an inevitable feature of a normal classroom. 

Resources for further reading

Kahoot!: EFL instructors’ implementation experiences and impacts on students’ vocabulary knowledge. (2020). Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal, 2(21), 70–92. 

Oxford, R. (2001). Integrated Skills in the ESL/EFL Classroom. ESL Magazine, 4(1), 18–20. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ624942 

Kahoot, not just for games anymore

Use Kahoot! to spice up your lessons

Research show Kahoot! improves student learning