The effects of digital games on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) vocabulary retention

Abstract

Vocabulary is a basic element of learning English for Specific Purposes (ESP). However, mastering ESP vocabulary is more challenging than general English due to its distinctive features, particularly in the military context. Military students usually struggle to acquire the form and meaning of military English vocabulary. Meanwhile, traditional teaching methods make students feel bored and do not have many benefits in learning military English vocabulary. A new, effective, and engaging teaching method is essential to address this problem. Thus, this study conducted a quasi-experimental study with 100 senior students in four intact classes at Nguyen Hue University to investigate the effects of digital games on students’ military English vocabulary retention. All participants were divided into two groups, including a control group and an experimental group. The control group practiced military English vocabulary through traditional teaching methods, whereas the experimental group was practiced by playing digital games. The data was collected after the 8-week intervention and analyzed by comparing the pre-test and post-test scores from the two groups, as well as an attitude questionnaire given to students in the experimental group. The findings revealed that digital games had an effect on long-term vocabulary retention of students, and they also expressed their positive attitude toward the use of digital games in learning military English vocabulary. This study also pointed out several suggestions for not only teachers, students, but also course managers in teaching and learning military English vocabulary via playing digital games, some limitations, and recommendations for future research.