Effectiveness of Digital Gamification in Enhancing the Text Interpretation Skills of the Students

Abstract ―​

One continuing dilemma in the education system is the decline of the critical thinking skills of the students. Withal, part of the language competencies is the development of an individual’s text interpretation skills. However, there are limited studies that present techniques to improve this. Therefore, this quasi-experimental study aimed to determine the effectiveness of digital gamification in enhancing the text interpretation skills of the students. The data were gathered from two sections of Grade 11 STEM students using total enumeration. To determine this, both control and experimental groups read the text ’Spaghetti’ as their pre-test material then filled out the TWIST (Tone, Word Choice, Imagery and Sensory Detail, Style and Theme) table. Thereafter, for two weeks, the control group received traditional teaching method, while experimental group was immersed with digital games. Subsequently, they read ‘Dinner for Two’ as their post-test material and answered the same TWIST table. To rate their responses, a researcher-made rubric was used. The statistical tools that were used are Paired t-Test and Independent Sample t-Test. The results reveal that the control group’s text interpretation skill remained at the developing level. Whereas the experimental group went one step higher from developing level to adequate level. Ultimately, the employment of digital gamification of learning and instruction was found effective in enhancing the text interpretation skills of the students. Therefore, it is suggested that this approach is incorporated in the curriculum of English language classes that tackle literary pieces. Significantly, this makes learning equally engaging and educational.