Yabancı Dil Olarak Türkçe Öğretiminde Oyunlaştırılmış Padlet Kullanımı: Bir Eylem Araştırması

This action research study aimed to enhance the writing practices and motivation of students learning Turkish as a foreign language outside the classroom. The primary issue addressed in this study was the low motivation for engaging in extracurricular writing activities. Given Generation Z’s increasing preference for technology-integrated learning experiences, incorporating digital tools was deemed essential to addressing this challenge. In this context, Padlet, a Web 2.0 tool, was selected for its ability to support both collaborative work and individual progress. Padlet functions as a digital bulletin board similar to traditional boards, allowing students to display their writings and receive feedback. To address the identified problem, a design incorporating gamification strategies on Padlet was developed. This design was structured using Werbach and Hunter’s (2012) D6 Model and the Gamification Pyramid. The design was implemented in an online classroom setting with international students. After the implementation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with students, and the data collected from these interviews were analyzed descriptively. The study examined students’ views on writing practice and gamification design on Padlet, thus evaluating the effectiveness of the design and its impact on the students. The findings indicated that students generally found the Padlet application as a useful and engaging tool, appreciating features such as columns, likes, and comments. Regarding the gamification design, students reported that elements such as badges, rewards, points, collaboration, and competition captured their attention, increased their effort and enjoyment, boosted their motivation, and helped them remain engaged in the system. Additionally, they noted that the application contributed to the improvement of their writing and reading skills, by providing more opportunities for practice, and fostering greater motivation towards their lessons. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of integrating Web 2.0 tools into educational processes through structured and functional models such as gamification. Such models can enhance the effectiveness of learning experiences by increasing motivation and engagement.