Incorporate game elements that promote interest and enjoyment to support autonomous, sustainable mobile language learning¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Based on their findings, the authors recommend that future language learning applications go beyond learning goals alone: "Incorporating game elements that promote interest and enjoyment, or intrinsic motivation, is crucial for supporting autonomous learners in their sustainable lifelong language learning." They argue language learning goals may not suffice to motivate active use of mobile applications, and that repetitive task design must also sustain continued enjoyment or players may discontinue engagement.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Task design must enforce continued enjoyment alongside repetition, since repetitive tasks could otherwise reduce motivation

Constraints¶

• The recommendation arises from a small pilot study (n = 21) conducted in a limited time frame without a control group

Target Learners¶

• EFL undergraduates learning English for work
• autonomous out-of-class language learners

Target Learning Goals¶

• sustained engagement with mobile language learning applications
• intrinsic motivation and lifelong language learning

Related Strategies¶

• Integrate math into game play and strategy rather than treating it as an add-on

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Tangkiengsirisin, S., Taylor, P., & Thansirichaisree, P. (2026). The effects of role-playing gamification on business vocabulary learning and motivation: A study of CEFR-based language learning mobile application for Thai undergraduate students. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 19(1), 464-486. https://doi.org/10.70730/UFRC4620