APPLICATION OF DIGITAL GAME-BASED TOOLS FOR FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT AT FOREIGN LANGUAGE LESSONS

Abstract

The research explores the potential of online gamified resources used as means of formative assessment during foreign language lessons in higher education institutions. The use of any game-based tools with certain game elements which can be integrated into conventional or online teaching and learning is considered to be characteristic of game-based approach to teaching and learning. The study established the main elements of educational gamified tools. These elements of game mechanics are capable of triggering such senses and emotions as reward, challenge, achievement, competition and positive emotions. A number of theoretical and empirical research methods have been applied to analyse and prove the benefits of digital interactive tools as effective means of formative assessment of students’ progress in mastering a foreign language and an invaluable source for constructive feedback for the development of students’ foreign language competence. Three online game-based learning platforms, Kahoot!, Wordwall and Mentimeter, have been selected for analysis. Being compatible with popular video conferencing solutions, these tools proved to be easy to master and suitable for the tasks and purposes of foreign language lessons. The author maintains that activities devised with the help of Wordwall, Kahoot! and Mentimeter can be employed at foreign language lessons to practise vocabulary and grammar, to consolidate the material and reinforce learning, to assess the knowledge of the syllabus vocabulary and grammar, to check comprehension of texts, to revise for tests. The analysis of game mechanics proves that online game-based tools facilitate mastering knowledge and skills by means of influencing students’ motivational sphere through creating enjoyable learning environment and providing prompt feedback. Another major advantage of digital gamified resources is supplying the educator with a variety of instruction tools and assessment techniques to meet individual student needs. Detailed reports on student performance in activities available in the toolbar of these platforms offer useful data for analysis and creating an effective teacher feedback aimed at developing students’ foreign language competence.