The Effects of Educational Games on EFL Vocabulary Learning of Early Childhood Students with Learning Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Educational games play an essential role in the life of the new generation. Although there are many criticisms, many studies focus on the importance of educational games in improving EFL vocabulary learning of early childhood students with learning disabilities in the target language. Researchers have begun to research how games are used in class to enhance vocabulary learning. This paper investigates the effects of educational games on EFL vocabulary learning of early childhood students with learning disabilities based on a literature review. Many studies focus on educational games' effect on various aspects of education. This concept paper aims to shed light on some of the benefits of games and the challenges teachers and early childhood children face in using educational games. This paper's results show that games are used not only for the success of early childhood students with learning disabilities in EFL classes but, more importantly, to motivate them and increase cooperation between children. Additionally, the results indicate that there are advantages and disadvantages of using games to learn English vocabulary.

The Role of Language Teaching in Promoting Educational Quality in Early Childhood Education

“…Choi et al (2019) have also highlighted the significant role of mothers in enhancing children's interest in the English language in the EFL context. The findings of the present study align with those of Mohamed and Shaaban (2021) emphasising the efficacy of educational games in EFL classrooms during the early years of education.…”

فعالية التدخل اللغوي-النطقي في تطوير المفردات التعبيرية ومهارات التواصل الاجتماعي لدى الأطفال ذوي التأخر اللغوي في مرحلة الروضة

“…There is a strong correlation between language delays or difficulties and academic and social problems in children. It is therefore crucial to identify and address expressive vocabulary delays as soon as possible (Fernald et al, 2013;Gatt et al, 2015;Mohamed & Shaaban, 2021;. Speech-language intervention, such as play-based therapy and targeted language goals, can be effective in improving expressive vocabulary in preschool-aged children.…”

Aprendizaje basado en juegos para el desarrollo de la comprensión lectora en adolescentes

“…Additionally, authors like Abdeldaim & Kamal (2021) state that game-based learning allows exercising reading practically. They refer to the idea that when learning by doing, the student experiments, practices trial-error, establishes relationships between previous and new knowledge, and makes decisions to improve.…”

“…Therefore, findings included: some of the reviewed papers were experimental studies that involved the implementation of gaming elements in primary (Qamariah & Wahyuni, 2018), and secondary schools (Jackson & McNamara, 2018;Cheng-Tai et al, 2022), to enhance reading comprehension; and most of them published on international English learning and linguistics journals. Regarding the current topic of research, Abdeldaim & Kamal (2021) stated that educational games play a crucial role in new generations because they are part of their lives. Therefore, they would help to improve reading skills since they are familiar.…”