SMARTies: Using a board game in the English classroom for edutainment and assessment

Abstract

Engaging students in learning can take a number of paths, including using games and play. The idea of playing games to learn a language in school is not new but many teachers do not favour games as a teaching and learning method. Board games, if aligned with the national curriculum and relevant learning objectives, can be effective and meaningful. This study examines the use of SMARTies, a formative testing tool designed in a form of a board game, as an alternative teaching and learning aid for the language classroom. Thirty voluntary students were involved in this study. Respondents were required to sit for a pre-test and post-test to monitor their achievement. A survey questionnaire was also used to find out about their attitudes and beliefs relating to using board games for language learning. The results showed that students had positive attitudes towards the use of SMARTies.