Enhancing vocabulary through gaminifation: A strategy to improve reading skills for first-year English majors at Hanoi Open University

Abstract

Gamification in language teaching is increasingly being applied in the context of digital transformation today. This study investigates the use of digital games in teaching English reading skills as a strategy to improve vocabulary for first-year students at the Faculty of English, Hanoi Open University. Emplyoing quantitative research methods, the results show that integrating vocabulary games into the reading instruction helps students increase their interest in learning and improves the effectiveness of vocabulary learning. Based on these findings, the study proposes several technology-based applications that integrate game elements to support language teaching, contributing to improving students' ability to acquire and expand their vocabulary.