Challenges in understanding children’s language learning in games

Abstract This article explores the challenges teachers and researchers face in understanding children’s English learning outside formal contexts, with a focus on digital game playing. The discussion is based on the author’s experience and self-reflection during participation in the cross-national project ‘Language Learning in the Wild’. However, it is believed that many of the challenges addressed here are not unique to this particular project. Therefore, sharing them may benefit researchers and educators interested in understanding the relationship between young learners’ game-playing and their English learning. The article highlights challenges such as establishing a shared understanding of ‘digital games’ among stakeholders in a given context; adopting methodologies that are theoretically sound and ethically appropriate; and reconceptualizing and operationalizing learning outcomes that are better suited to an increasingly digitalized learning environment and lifestyle. The article concludes with implications for understanding and utilizing digital games in both research and practice.