Gamification of vocabulary lessons for the development of EFL reading skills in a sixth-grade class at “Héroes del Cenepa” public school.

Abstract

This study explores the impact of gamification on vocabulary lessons to enhance English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading skills among sixth-grade students at "Héroes del Cenepa" Public School in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative observations and quantitative diagnostic assessments to evaluate current teaching strategies and identify areas for improvement. The findings reveal significant challenges in vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension due to limited teacher training, scarce resources, and insufficient student engagement. To address these issues, the study proposes gamified instructional strategies that incorporate interactive activities, such as quizzes, vocabulary games, and digital tools, to foster a more engaging learning environment. The implementation of these strategies demonstrated improved student motivation, participation, and reading proficiency, highlighting the potential of gamification as an effective pedagogical tool in EFL contexts.