An Investigation of EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Retention and Recall in a Technology-Based Instructional Environment: Focusing on Digital Games

Abstract

Using digital games in language learning is beneficial, but their effectiveness in the Bangladeshi EFL context has been overlooked. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of playing digital games on Bangladeshi EFL learners’ ability to remember and retain the language. The Oxford Quick Placement Test was given to 78 Bangladeshi English as foreign language students. Based on the findings, 50 primary school pupils were selected based on the convenient sampling method as the study’s target group for further investigation. Afterward, they were separated into two groups: one for the experiment and another for the CG. After that, all subjects were subjected to pretesting, and then, the therapy was administered. The EG was educated by the researcher via the use of digital games. The participants in the EG were taught English vocabulary via the use of a computerized game, which they found entertaining. On the other hand, the students of the CG received a traditional vocabulary teaching. After teaching 90 vocabulary in nine sessions, an immediate vocabulary posttest was conducted on both groups to determine the treatment’s possible effects on their vocabulary recall. Three weeks later, a delayed posttest was given to the participants to examine the effect of digital games on their vocabulary retention. The results of paired samples and independent sample $t$ -tests showed that there was a significant difference between the immediate and delayed posttests of the EG and CGs in favor of the EG. The EG outperformed the CG both on the immediate and delayed posttests. This study has some implications for teaching and learning vocabulary.