How Does Gamified L2 Learning Enhance Motivation and Engagement

Abstract

In recent years, the popularity of gamification has gained momentum with the growing numbers of publications as well as the mass appeal among learners for its potential to stimulate motivation, engagement, and positive experiences. However, this vein of research has mainly focused on the effects of game mechanics and how they can be incorporated within a gamified learning context to enhance users' positive experiences. In L2 teaching and learning, the literature states that most studies on gamification lack theoretical principles that can guide the design of gamified learning experiences that promote learners' motivation and engagement. To make the picture more coherent, this chapter synthesizes the existing literature on gamification L2 learning, focusing on empirical findings related to factors affecting L2 learning, current L2 gamified design models, gamification affordances, and their inherent motivational and engagement outcomes. For this review, thematic and content analysis of 73 publications dating from 2017 to late 2022 were examined.