Learning Through Play: Potential Digital Game-Based Design Approach to Reducing Language Learning Anxiety
What role does anxiety play in second and foreign language learning and how can a digital game-based design approach help?
Many language learners often experience anxiety when learning a foreign language. This thesis aims to investigate the potential of using specific game design elements used in digital game-based applications to examine their effect on language learning anxiety. The effectiveness of certain game elements on anxiety, learning experiences, and learners’ motivation was analyzed and incorporated into the game Stellar. This game was developed and tested in three iterative research cycles. First, experiments, questionnaires, and focus group discussions were used to assess learning anxiety. In the second cycle, game design elements were evaluated to inform the design process of Stellar. The third cycle examined the results of the game on learning anxiety and language learning outcomes.
