Strategy based on gamification: teaching English as a second language in university students (Original)

Abstract

The present research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of strategies based on gamification for teaching English as a second language to university students. The importance of this research arises from the need to improve students' motivation and commitment to learning English, especially in a university context where traditional methods often fail to capture the interest of young people. The main objective was to design activities and evaluate gamified strategies to improve students' performance and participation in their English learning. To achieve this, a mixed approach methodology was used, with an experimental design that included surveys, statistical analysis and direct observations. Various strategies were implemented, such as gamification platforms, reward systems and group challenges, which were evaluated by teachers and students in terms of their usefulness and effectiveness. The main results showed that gamified strategies significantly increased motivation and learning effectiveness. Gamified platforms and group challenges were the strategies most valued by both teachers and students, with a positive impact on performance and fluency in the English language. The most important conclusion highlights that gamification represents an innovative and effective methodology for teaching English in higher education, improving both student participation and performance.