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Studies examining the link between gamification and News English learning are scant. This study explored the effects of a gamified learning activity using the card games, slides, and learning sheets (CSCL) model on News English learning performance through a quasi-experimental mixed-methods study design. Pretests and post-tests and students’ self-reflections were employed to determine the students’ learning performance and responses to the activity. Gamification significantly and positively affected the experimental group’s (EG) News English learning performance, with the learning performance of both lower and higher achievers improving significantly. Furthermore, the EG participants regarded the activity to be a fun and interactive hands-on experience. Gamification was considered useful for content comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. The mechanisms through which the activity affected News English learning were analyzed, and implications for gamification application in News English and further research are presented.

This study explored the effects of technology-mediated task-based language teaching (TMTBLT) in an English as a foreign language (EFL) writing course on students’ descriptive writing performance. A quasi-experiment was conducted. Students in two writing courses were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The participants in the experimental group were engaged in the technology-mediated writing task of transforming their descriptive writing assignment, in which they introduced local tourist attractions, into videos to exchange online with foreign virtual peers. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted to analyze the data collected from participants’ compositions and self-reflections. The results revealed that TMTBLT was effective in developing EFL students’ descriptive writing proficiency. In addition to improving their writing, the students enjoyed participating in the task and used multiple skills. The implications of this study for TMTBLT in EFL writing teaching practices are also discussed.

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