Exploring EFL learners’ perspectives on using Kahoot as a game-based student response system

ABSTRACT

Student response systems (SRS) have been used to provide teachers with immediate feedback on learners’ performance to understand their weaknesses and strengths. This exploratory study is aimed at focusing on both distractive and facilitative aspects of using SRS in English as a foreign language (EFL) classes to assess learners’ understanding of grammar lessons. Eighty university students majored in English language and literature attended a grammar course accompanied by Kahoot, a free online game-based application as an SRS. Students’ perspectives about positive and negative aspects of the application were explored prior and subsequent to its implementation through open-ended surveys and interviews. In addition, their classes were observed for more in-depth information. The results revealed that despite its positive features, most of the students were not willing to take part in this game-based application. They mentioned the Internet connection problems, the high pace of the game, its competitive nature and the lack of detailed explanation after the game as the main reasons for their unwillingness toward using this application in the classroom, which made most of the learners demotivated and distracted. The implications for teachers are also discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Kahoot
• SRS
• EFL
• gaming
• grammar

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Saman Ebadi

Saman Ebadi is an associate professor in Applied Linguistics at Razi University, Iran. His research focuses on CALL, dynamic assessment, qualitative research, and sociocultural theory. He has published extensively in both international journals (e.g. Computer Assisted Language Learning, Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, Cogent Education, etc.) and local journals. He has also presented in both international conferences (e.g. XVIII International CALL Research Conference, University of California, Berkeley, USA, SouthWest Association for Language Learning and Technology (SWALT) conference, Portland, Oregon, USA and CALICO 2011, University of Victoria Victoria, BC, Canada) and national conferences.

Rezvan Rasouli

Rezvan Rasouli is an MA graduate of Applied Linguistics at Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. Her areas of interest include teaching English language skills, English as an international language, and teacher education. She is the author of some articles in his areas of interest and has presented both in and outside the country.

Mona Mohamadi

Mona Mohamadi is an MA graduate of Applied Linguistics at Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. Her areas of interest include CALL, teaching English language skills, and teacher education. She is the author of some articles in his areas of interest and has presented both in and outside the country.