Gaeilge Gaming

2019 ◽  
pp. 1093-1110
Author(s):  
Gene Dalton ◽  
Ann Devitt
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Language Community ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Gaming Technology ◽  
Team Interactions ◽  
Approach To Teaching ◽  
Central Statistics Office

In the 2011 census almost one in three Irish teenagers claimed to be unable to speak Irish (Central Statistics Office, Ireland, 2012), despite the language being taught daily in school. The challenges facing the Irish language in schools are complex and multifaceted. The research reported here attempts to address some of these challenges by adopting a novel approach to teaching Irish to primary school children using an online detective game. This paper details how a group of 10 year old children (n = 17) report their experience of the game, and how this compares to its proposed affordances for language learning. Overall, the children responded very positively, and identified significant motivational factors associated with the game, such as rewards, positive team interactions, challenge and active learning. Their feedback demonstrates that this use of gaming technology has the potential to support children's language learning through creating a language community where users are motivated to use Irish in a meaningful way.

Gaeilge Gaming

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 22-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene Dalton ◽  
Ann Devitt
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Language Community ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Gaming Technology ◽  
Team Interactions ◽  
Approach To Teaching ◽  
Central Statistics Office

In the 2011 census almost one in three Irish teenagers claimed to be unable to speak Irish (Central Statistics Office, Ireland, 2012), despite the language being taught daily in school. The challenges facing the Irish language in schools are complex and multifaceted. The research reported here attempts to address some of these challenges by adopting a novel approach to teaching Irish to primary school children using an online detective game. This paper details how a group of 10 year old children (n = 17) report their experience of the game, and how this compares to its proposed affordances for language learning. Overall, the children responded very positively, and identified significant motivational factors associated with the game, such as rewards, positive team interactions, challenge and active learning. Their feedback demonstrates that this use of gaming technology has the potential to support children's language learning through creating a language community where users are motivated to use Irish in a meaningful way.

Language Education and primary school children: the story of using stories

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2-2019) ◽  
pp. 157-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Nicole Giannikas
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
School Children ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Western Greece

The present study concentrates on the development of interactive skills in the L2 and the pedagogical aspects of Young Language Learners’ (YLLs) through the use of story telling. Such an approach reveals the benefits of encouraging creativity in learning and, as a result, captures the dynamics of the classroom and the progress of the learner. The data derives from an Action Research study carried out as part of a longitudinal study in South Western Greece, where storytelling is a neglected language learning source. The research concentrates on YLLs of a Beginners level, aged 7-9 years old. The results show the advantageous use of Action Research as a tool of intervention to apply necessary change in language teaching contexts.

Can WordBricks Make Learning Irish More Engaging for Students?

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-39
Author(s):  
Monica Ward ◽  
Maxim Mozgovoy ◽  
Marina Purgina
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
School Children ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning Paradigm ◽  
Typical School

Learning a language is challenging and it is important that learners be kept motivated throughout the process. Many Irish primary school children are not particularly motivated to learn the language and there are few computer assisted language learning (CALL) resources available to them. WordBricks is an app that enables learners to construct only grammatically correct sentences. It leverages a visual learning paradigm and has a Scratch-like interface. It was originally developed for English, and more recently has been expanded to cater for Irish. This article investigates if using Irish WordBricks is both suitable and usable for primary school learners, if it is pedagogically appropriate for them and if it is enjoyable for them. The WordBricks app was tested by five classes of two different age groups in a typical school in Ireland. This article reports on the results of the WordBricks deployment and the feedback of students and teachers.

scholarly journals Exploring the pandemic through language learning and multicultural studies

2021 ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
Stephan Caspar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Employability Skills ◽  
Learning Methods ◽  
Cultural Understanding ◽  
Social Community ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Agents Of Change ◽  
Approach To Teaching

This piece offers a reflection on how language learning and multicultural studies during the pandemic have highlighted the potential to help communities draw parallels with, and face wider issues concerning, minorities within a challenged society. Through storytelling, a novel approach to teaching and learning helps students find their voice and become active agents of change. A review of teaching and learning methods may bring about improvements both in academia and individual circumstances to help bridge the gap between loneliness and the need to be part of a wider social community. This article reiterates the importance of language learning, cultural understanding, and identity as useful employability skills for the new global graduates to support, rebuild, and unite communities especially in challenging times.

La politica del multilinguismo e l'apprendimento della lingua

FUTURIBILI ◽  
2009 ◽  
pp. 134-138
Author(s):  
Sean O'Rian
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
European Union ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Language Policies ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Almost All

- This paper focuses on a number of developments in macro-level language policies, outlines the background to the new status of the Irish language in the European Union and attempts to examine a proposal designed to improve the teaching of Irish in particular and language learning in general. At the moment the teaching of Irish is undergoing a serious crisis. While almost all primary school children in Ireland are able to speak English and Irish, in English-based schools the majority of students make no progress in Irish. To facilitate learning a second language a proposal is made for a preparatory approach involving the teaching of Esperanto in primary and middle school in Ireland in particular and Europe in general.

A Novel ‘Game Design' Methodology for STEM Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 594-612
Author(s):  
Shekar Viswanathan ◽  
B. Radhakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Environment ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Engineering Management ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Pedagogical Tool ◽  
Stem Programs ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Team Interactions ◽  
Approach To Teaching ◽  
Innovation Team

A novel approach to teaching concepts using game design in the graduate sustainability and engineering management programs is illustrated. These student-built games tied to demonstrate the course learning outcomes (CLOs) were tested in a classroom environment. This pilot study's impact on student learning, motivation, creativity, engagement, innovation, team interactions, and instructor leadership, and its contribution towards the achievement of CLOs were assessed in multiple courses. The results from this pilot study involving students indicated that the game design, creation, and play is an effective and innovative pedagogical tool that could promote student engagement, motivation, critical thinking, and learning skills with minimal educational tools. In addition, this innovative teaching tool could help change the declining and waning interest in STEM+ programs at the graduate level.

A Novel ‘Game Design' Methodology for STEM Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shekar Viswanathan ◽  
B. Radhakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Environment ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Engineering Management ◽  
Learning Skills ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Pedagogical Tool ◽  
Stem Programs ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Team Interactions ◽  
Approach To Teaching

A novel approach to teaching concepts using game design in the graduate sustainability and engineering management programs is illustrated. These student-built games tied to demonstrate the course learning outcomes (CLOs) were tested in a classroom environment. This pilot study's impact on student learning, motivation, creativity, engagement, innovation, team interactions, and instructor leadership, and its contribution towards the achievement of CLOs were assessed in multiple courses. The results from this pilot study involving students indicated that the game design, creation, and play is an effective and innovative pedagogical tool that could promote student engagement, motivation, critical thinking, and learning skills with minimal educational tools. In addition, this innovative teaching tool could help change the declining and waning interest in STEM+ programs at the graduate level.

scholarly journals Preschool and Primary School Children as Learners in 2030: Views of Finnish Student Teachers

2009 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marja Nurmilaakso
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
School Children ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Primary School Student ◽  
The Future ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The University

Preschool and Primary School Children as Learners in 2030: Views of Finnish Student TeachersTeachers are key to the future. Because of enormous future changes, teachers need to re-evaluate their thinking. This study focuses on what student teachers think of the future in preschool and primary school of the year 2030. The questionnaire, conducted in October 2007, reached 76 student teachers from the University of Helsinki in Finland. Of these students, 52 were preschool and 24 primary school student teachers. The research questions were: 1) How important is it that children in preschool and primary school in the year 2030 can use language and communication and can work in groups and in the environment? (2) How can preschool and primary school teachers support language learning and communication in the year 2030? (3) How will children in preschool and primary school in the year 2030 take responsibility for their own (child-centred) learning? The results confirm that preschool and primary school student teachers think very traditionally. Many felt that it would be less important for children in 2030 to speak many languages, and student teachers did not consider the use of computers.

scholarly journals Efficiency of gaming technology in the process of foreign language acquisition

2020 ◽  
Vol 87 ◽  
pp. 00065
Author(s):  
O.V. Smolovik ◽  
M.A. Kushnyr ◽  
L.Yu. Shobonova
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Academic Motivation ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Foreign Language Acquisition ◽  
Gaming Technology ◽  
The Impact

The article deals with the study of the gaming technology in teaching a foreign language to primary school children and its influence on their motivation. Nowadays it is relevant to start mastering a foreign language at primary school. The article presents the psychological and pedagogical characteristics of primary school children, emphasizes the importance of academic motivation, reveals the peculiarities of the gaming technology, gives examples of its practical application and shows the results of the experimental research identifying the impact of this method on the level of young learners’ motivation. The purpose of the article is to study the influence of practical application of the gaming technology on primary school children’s motivation in the process of the foreign language acquisition. The methodology of the study is a theoretical analysis of psychological research, empirical research methods, qualitative and quantitative analysis of empirical data. The results show that the use of the gaming technology increases academic motivation of primary school children.

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