EFL Sophomores’ Perspectives on the Application of Computer-Assisted Games in Grammar Classes

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.25423

Keywords:

critical thinking skills , teacher questions, students’ perspectives

Abstract

The integration of computer-assisted games in teaching English has become a current trend in second language teaching. However, research concerning students’ perspectives on the application of computer-assisted games in grammar classes remains limited. Consequently, this study was conducted to explore how 70 EFL sophomores at Van Lang University perceive the use of computer-assisted games in grammar lessons. A mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis from an online survey and qualitative insights from a semi-structured interview, was utilized to collect data. The results revealed that EFL students have a favorable voice towards the implementation of computer-assisted games in grammar classes, emphasizing the benefits of enhancing students’ understanding, learning motivation, and language competence.

Author Biographies

  • Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, M.A., is a lecturer at Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City. She has had nearly 15 years of teaching English-major students. Her main interests include Language Teaching Methodology, Learner Autonomy, and Language Assessment.

  • Truong Nhat Truong, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Mr. Truong Nhat Truong is a senior at Van Lang University's Faculty of Foreign Language, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He is majoring in English teaching. As a curious and detail-oriented individual, he enjoys conducting research and analyzing various topics related to English language and literature.

References

Ahmad, M., & Wilkins, S. (2024). Purposive sampling in qualitative research: A framework for the entire journey. Quality & Quantity. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-024-02022-5

Ahmadi, D., & Reza, M. (2018). The use of technology in English language learning: A literature review. International Journal of Research in English Education, 3(2), 115-125.

Almekhlafi, A. G. (2006). The effect of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) on United Arab Emirates English as a foreign language (EFL) students' achievement and attitude. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 17(2), 121–142.

Al-Qomoul M., “The Effect of Using an Instructional Software Program of English Language Functions on the Basic Stage Students’ Achievements,” Ph.D. Thesis, Amman Arab University for Graduate Studies, 2005.

Alsied, S. M., Ibrahim, N. W., & Pathan, M. M. (2018). The Use of Grammar Learning Strategies by Libyan EFL Learners at Sebha University. ASIAN TEFL, 3(1), 37-51.

Ayres, R. (2002). Learner attitudes towards the use of CALL. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 15(3), 241–249. https://doi.org/10.1076/call.15.3.241.8189

Belal, A. R. (2011). Students’ Perceptions of Computer Assisted Learning: an empirical study. International Journal of Management in Education, 5(1), 63-78.

Can, G., & Cagiltay, K. (2006). Turkish prospective teachers’ experience with educational software. Educational Technology & Society, 9(1), 76–83.

Chapelle, C. A. (2001). Computer applications in second language acquisition: Foundations for teaching, testing and research. Cambridge University Press.

Chomsky, N. (1981). Lectures on Government and Binding. Dordrecht: Foris.

Creswell, J. W., Clark, V. L. P., Gutmann, M. L., & Hanson, W. E. (2003). Advanced mixed methods research designs. In A. Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of mixed methods in social & behavioral research (pp. 209-240). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Debata, P. K. (2013). The Importance of Grammar in English Language Teaching Reassessment. Language in India, 13(5), 482-486.

Douglas, H. (2022). Sampling techniques for qualitative research. In M. R. Islam, N. A. Khan, & R. Baikady (Eds.), Principles of social research methodology (pp. [insert page range if available]). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5441-2_29

Greenbaum, S. (1982). What is grammar and why teach it? In S. Greenbaum (Ed.), The teaching of grammar (pp. 5–19). London: Longman.

Guner, K. (2017). Effects of a Programmed Turkish Grammar Instruction on Students’ Language Skills. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education 13(11), 7539-7547. DOI:10.12973/ejmste/78609

Haudeck (as cited in Sani, H. K., 2016). Senior high school students’ perceptions towards grammar (Unpublished master's thesis). Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana, Indonesia.

Hubbard, P., & Levy, M. (2016). Theory in computer-assisted language learning research and practice. In F. Farr & L. Murray (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of language learning and technology (pp. 24–38). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315657899

Huizhong, Y. (1985). The use of computers in English teaching and research in China. In R. Quirk & H. G. Widdowson (Eds.), English in the world (pp. 86–100). Cambridge University Press.

Januszewski, A., & Molenda, M. (Eds.). (2008). Educational technology: A definition with commentary. New York: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates

Jarvis, H., & Szymczyk, M. (2009). Student views on learning grammar with web- and book-based materials. ELT Journal, 64(1), 32–44. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccp006

Jensen, E., & Sandlin, J. A. (1992). Active learning and the brain: Implications for teaching. In E. Jensen (Ed.), Brain-based learning (pp. 67–80). San Diego, CA: Turning Point Publishing.

Jespersen, O. (2013). Essentials of English grammar. Routledge.

Kayan, A., & Aydin, İ. S. (2023). The effect of computer-assisted educational games on teaching grammar. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 26(1), 45-58.

Kılıçkaya, F., & Krajka, J. (2012). Can the use of web-based comic strip creation tool facilitate EFL learners' grammar and sentence writing? British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(6), 161–165. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2012.01298.x

Kohli, A. L. (2007). Techniques of teaching English. Dhanpat Rai Publishing Company.

Larsen-Freeman, D. (2001). Teaching Grammar. In M. Celce-Murcia (ed.), Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language (3rd ed., pp. 251-66). Boston, MA: Thomson/ Heinle.

Laurillard, D. (2009). The pedagogical challenges to collaborative technologies. Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 4(1), 5–20.

Loewen, S., Li, S., Fei, F., Thompson, A., Nakatsukasa, K., Ahn, S., & Chen, X. (2009). Second Language Learners' Beliefs About Grammar Instruction and Error Correction. The Modern Language Journal, 93(1), 91-104.

Mahdi, H. S. (2018). Effectiveness of mobile devices on vocabulary learning: A meta-analysis. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 56(1), 134–154. https://doi.org/10.1177/0735633117698826

Mohamad, F. (2009). Internet-based Grammar Instruction in the ESL Classroom. International Journal of Pedagogies & Learning, 5(2), 34–48. https://doi.org/10.5172/ijpl.5.2.34

Mohamad, F., & Amin, M. (2009). The effectiveness of customized courseware in teaching grammar. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference of Teaching and Learning (ICTL 2009). INTI University College, Malaysia.

Naba'h, A. A., Hussain, J., Al-Omari, A., & Shdeifat, S. (2009). The Effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning in Teaching English Grammar on the Achievement of Secondary Students in Jordan. Int. Arab J. Inf. Technol., 6(4), 431-439.

Nguyen, H. N. (2020). Teaching English Sounds to Vietnamese Secondary School Students: From Theories to Applications Using Learner-centered Methods. International Journal of Language Instruction, 2(1), 16–29. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.23212

Nisha, P. R. (2024). Comparing grammar translation method (GTM) and communicative language teaching (CLT) in EFL context: A qualitative literature review. FOSTER Journal of English Language Teaching, 5(1), 40–48. https://doi.org/10.24256/foster-jelt.v5i1.159

Nutta, J. (1999). Is computer-based grammar instruction as effective as teacher-directed grammar instruction for teaching L2 structures?. CALICO journal, 16(1), 49-62. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v16i1.49-62

O'Hare F (1973). Sentence-Combining: Improving Student Writing Without Formal Grammar Instruction. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English.

Rao, R. K. (2014). Enhancing student’s grammar by using games: A practical classroom experience. International Journal of Academic Research, 1(3), 13-23.

Razak, A. A., Connolly, T., Baxter, G., Hainey, T., & Wilson, A. (2012, October). The Use of Games-Based Learning at Primary Education Level within The Curriculum for Excellence: A Combined Result of Two Regional Teacher Surveys. In Proc. of the 6th Europe. Conf. on Games Based Learning (pp. 401-409).

Sani, H. K. (2016). Senior High School Students’ Perceptions Towards Grammar (Doctoral dissertation, Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris FBS-UKSW).

Shafaei, A. (2012). Computer-assisted learning: a helpful approach in learning English. Frontiers of language and teaching, 3, 108-115.

Smith, M. W., & Hillocks, G. (1991). Grammar and usage. In J. Flood, J. M. Jensen, D. Lapp, & J. R. Squire (Eds.), Handbook of research on teaching the English language arts (pp. 591–603). New York, NY: Macmillan.

Squire, K. (2003). Video games in education. International Journal of Intelligent Simulations and Gaming, 2(1), 49–62.

Thornbury, Scott. (1999). How to Teach Grammar. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.

Tu, T. H. P. (2022). The effects of using education technology tools on learning grammar in secondary schools. International Journal of Language Instruction, 1(1), 41–52. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.22115

Ural, M. N. (2009). Eğitsel bilgisayar oyunlarının eğlendirici ve motive edici özelliklerinin akademik başarıya ve motivasyona etkisi [The effect of entertaining and motivational properties of educational games on academic achievement and motivation] (Doctoral dissertation). Anadolu University, Educational Sciences Institute, Eskişehir, Turkey.

Warschauer, M., & Kern, R. (2000). Network-based language teaching: Concepts and practice. Cambridge University Press.

Whitton, N. (2007). Motivation and computer game-based learning. In Proceedings of the Australian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE).

Young, B. R. (2011). The grammar voyeur: Using Google to teach English grammar to advanced undergraduates. American Speech, 86(2), 247–258. https://doi.org/10.1215/00031283-1337046

Yunita, W., Emzir, E., & Mayuni, I. (2018). Needs Analysis for English Grammar Learning Model from Students' Perspectives. English Review: Journal of English Education, 6(2), 85–94. https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v6i2.1258

Downloads

Published

06-06-2025

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Nguyen, T. T. H., & Truong, N. T. (2025). EFL Sophomores’ Perspectives on the Application of Computer-Assisted Games in Grammar Classes. International Journal of Language Instruction, 4(2), 53-79. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.25423

Similar Articles

21-30 of 58

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.