The Effects of Using Games on English Vocabulary Learning

Abstract

One of the difficult parts of learning the target language for English language learners is the acquisition of vocabulary. Using educational games for teaching vocabulary has been very popular for several decades. Therefore, the present paper has reviewed the effects of using games on improving vocabulary learning in an English as foreign language or English as second language context. Different studies revealed that games are beneficial in vocabulary learning because they enhance students’ ability to memorize words, encourage student’s interaction, improve their communicative skills and enhance students’ motivation. Games also can help the teachers to create contexts in which the language is useful and meaningful. This study aimed to guide teachers and students towards a better understanding of vocabularies through educational games. This paper suggested game-based learning activities and techniques in the classroom.  Hoping that educational games attract more attention and be applied in the classroom in order to learn and teach new vocabulary more effectively.