Enhancing Grammar Learning for ESL Primary School Students through a Game-Based Response System

Grammar is viewed as the important aspect of language learning for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. However, the research on using game-based student response systems like Kahoot! to teach grammar is still limited. Most studies have focused on how Kahoot! can increase motivation and performance for secondary and college students, but not as much for primary school students. Thus, more research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of Kahoot!, especially for primary school students. This study aims to examine how well Kahoot!, a game-based response system, works for teaching grammar to ESL students in primary school. This research used a mixed-method approach and an experimental design. 76 students were the respondents in this research, in which 38 in the experimental group used Kahoot! for 8 lessons, while 38 in the control group had traditional lessons for the same duration. Quantitative analysis was conducted on pre-test and post-test scores, along with a questionnaire. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six volunteers who used Kahoot!, aiming to gauge their perception of its effectiveness in grammar lessons. The study found that students who learned grammar using Kahoot! performed better in the post-test compared to those who used traditional methods. In the interview session, the students who used Kahoot! also reported significant improvement in their grammar skills and intrinsic motivation. Lastly, this research provides insight and reinforces existing literature on the effectiveness of Kahoot! in enhancing primary school ESL learners' intrinsic motivation and learning grammar.