Kahoot! as a Pedagogical Tool in IELTS Writing Instruction: A Qualitative Analysis of Gamified Learning Strategies

Authors

  • Siti Rowiyah Universitas Negeri Malang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v8i1.24692

Keywords:

Kahoot! game, Academic Writing, IELTS, Writing skills, Online Game, Teaching English

Abstract

Writing is one of the four primary skills assessed in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Its inherent complexity often leads to student anxiety and difficulties. Recognizing the need for innovative teaching and assessment methods incorporating technology, this study investigates the interactive game Kahoot! in an IELTS writing course in Pare, Kediri. Despite evidence supporting its effectiveness, Kahoot!'s integration into academic writing still needs to be improved. This research aims to evaluate how Kahoot! Enhances students' fluency in academic writing within an IELTS context and identifies factors influencing this relationship. Conducted through a qualitative, descriptive case study approach, the study involves English teachers and their students who use Kahoot! in academic IELTS writing classes. Findings indicate that Kahoot! Primarily aids in understanding writing tasks by simplifying data complexity and integrating it into engaging game features, thus enhancing learning engagement and task response. Key factors contributing to improved writing responses include the simplicity of visual presentation, the competitive nature of the game, and the resulting enjoyment. This suggests that Kahoot! can effectively create a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment, potentially improving academic writing performance in IELTS courses.

Author Biography

Siti Rowiyah, Universitas Negeri Malang

S2 Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris

References

Alawadhi, A., & Abu-Ayyash, E. A. S. (2021). Students’ perceptions of Kahoot!: An exploratory mixed-method study in EFL undergraduate classrooms in the UAE. Education and Information Technologies, 26(4), 3629–3658. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-020-10425-8

Andersen, S. C., Nielsen, H. S., & Rowe, M. L. (2022). Development of writing skills within a home-based, shared reading intervention: Re-analyses of evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Learning and Individual Differences, 99, 102211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2022.102211

Bagheri, M. S., & Riasati, M. J. (2016). EFL graduate students’ IELTS writing problems and students’ and teachers’ beliefs and suggestions regarding writing skill improvement. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 7(1), 198. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.0701.23

Bawa, P. (2019). Using Kahoot to inspire. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 47(3), 373–390. https://doi.org/10.1177/0047239518804173

Cadet, M. J. (2023). Application of game-based online learning platform: Kahoot a formative evaluation tool to assess learning. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 18(3), 419–422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2023.03.009

Caemmerer, J. M., Reynolds, M. R., & Keith, T. Z. (2023). Beyond individual tests: Youth’s cognitive abilities on their math and writing skills. Learning and Individual Differences, 102, 102271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2023.102271

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.

Curry, M. J., & Lillis, T. (2022). Multilingualism in academic writing for publication: Putting English in its place. Language Teaching, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444822000040

Flick, U. (2013). The SAGE handbook of qualitative data analysis. SAGE Publications Limited.

Hou, Y. J. (2018). Integration of Kahoot into EFL classroom. In HCI International 2018–Posters' Extended Abstracts: 20th International Conference, HCI International 2018, Las Vegas, NV, USA, July 15-20, 2018, Proceedings, Part III 20 (pp. 31–37). Springer International Publishing.

Jiang, L., Wang, Y., & Yang, Y. (2021). Happy learning. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211220.459

Kim, Y. G., Yang, D., Reyes, M., & Connor, C. M. (2021). Writing instruction improves students’ writing skills differentially depending on focal instruction and children: A meta-analysis for primary grade students. Educational Research Review, 34, 100408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100408

Kurniasih, K., Cahyono, B. Y., Astuti, U. P., & Suryati, N. (2022). EFL students’ writing anxiety in online learning environment during the covid-19 pandemic. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research/Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220201.027

Lester, J. N., Cho, Y., & Lochmiller, C. R. (2020). Learning to do qualitative data analysis: A starting point. Human Resource Development Review, 19(1), 94–106. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534484320903890

Licorish, S. A., Owen, H., Daniel, B. K., & George, J. L. (2018). Students’ perception of Kahoot!’s influence on teaching and learning. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning/Research and Practice in Technology Enchanced Learning, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41039-018-0078-8

Lin, L. H. F., & Morrison, B. (2021). Challenges in academic writing: Perspectives of Engineering faculty and L2 postgraduate research students. English for Specific Purposes, 63, 59–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2021.03.004

Martín-Sómer, M., Moreira, J. A., & Casado, C. (2021). Use Kahoot! to keep students motivated during online classes during the lockdown period caused by Covid 19. Education for Chemical Engineers, 36, 154–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2021.05.005

Mojdehi, H. A., & Zarei, A. A. (2023). The impact of different scaffolding techniques on IELTS candidates’ writing anxiety: From perceptions to facts. Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 40, 100715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lcsi.2023.100715

Plump, C. M., & LaRosa, J. (2017). Using Kahoot! in the classroom to create engagement and active learning: A game-based technology solution for eLearning novices. Management Teaching Review, 2(2), 151–158. https://doi.org/10.1177/2379298116689783

Pratiwi, D. I., Faridi, A., & Hartono, R. (2016). The implementation of mind mapping strategy to teach writing in IELTS preparation class. Lembaran Ilmu Kependidikan, 45(1). https://doi.org/10.15294/lik.v45i1.7640

Rachmajanti, S., Ariani, N., Karmina, S., & Sujiatmoko, A. H. (2022). Enhancing primary school teachers’ creative writing skills through reflective training. KnE Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.18502/kss.v7i7.10665

Rad, H. S., & Alipour, J. (2023). Writing skills in CALL: Effects of L2MSS vision-inspired instruction on L2 students’ motivation and achievement. System, 115, 103063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2023.103063

Ruiz, C. G. (2021). The effect of integrating Kahoot! and peer instruction in the Spanish flipped classroom: the student perspective. Journal of Spanish Language Teaching, 8(1), 63–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/23247797.2021.1913832

Sulistyo, T., Mukminatien, N., Cahyono, B. Y., & Saukah, A. (2019). Enhancing learners’ writing performance through Blog-Assisted Language Learning. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 14(9), 61–73. https://doi.org/10.3991/IJET.V14I09.9535

Swain, J., & King, B. (2022). Using informal conversations in qualitative research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221085056

Wang, A. I., & Tahir, R. (2020). The effect of using Kahoot! for learning – A literature review. Computers and Education/Computers & Education, 149, 103818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.103818

Wirani, Y., Nabarian, T., & Romadhon, M. S. (2022). Evaluation of continued use on Kahoot! as a gamification-based learning platform from the perspective of Indonesia students. Procedia Computer Science, 197, 545–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.12.172

Yang, Y., & Badger, R. (2015). How IELTS preparation courses support students: IELTS and academic socialisation. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 39(4), 438–465. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2014.953463

Yunus, M. M., Hashim, H., Hashim, H. U., Yahya, Z. S., Sabri, F. S., & Nazeri, A. N. (2019). Kahoot!: Engaging and active learning environment in ESL writing classrooms. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 5(6), 141–152.

Zhang, Q., & Yu, Z. (2021). A literature review on the influence of Kahoot! On learning outcomes, interaction, and collaboration. Education and Information Technologies, 26(4), 4507–4535. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10459-6

Downloads

Published

2024-04-29

How to Cite

Rowiyah, S. (2024). Kahoot! as a Pedagogical Tool in IELTS Writing Instruction: A Qualitative Analysis of Gamified Learning Strategies. Voices of English Language Education Society, 8(1), 262–270. https://doi.org/10.29408/veles.v8i1.24692

Issue

Section

Articles