Assessing the Effectiveness of Using Kahoot! to Improve Students’ Engagement during Grammar Lessons

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of using Kahoot! as a gamification tool to enhance ESL students’ engagement during grammar lessons.  Based on the Gamification Acceptance Model (GAM), the study investigates how perceived utility, convenience of use, attitude toward gamification, skill engagement, and interaction engagement affect students' learning experiences. A mixed-method approach was employed, involving 41 first-semester diploma-level ESL students. A GAM-adapted 18-item questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while semi-structured interviews with 12 participants provided qualitative insights. The findings reveal that integrating Kahoot! into grammar instruction significantly improves students' engagement, attitudes, and performance. The tool transforms traditional lessons into interactive and enjoyable learning experiences, encouraging active participation and fostering a positive learning environment. Quantitative analysis highlights that students’ perceptions of usefulness and ease of use directly contribute to their positive attitudes toward gamification. Qualitative analysis corroborates these findings, emphasizing that engagement is driven by both skill-related and interaction-based components. This study underscores the potential of gamification in ESL classrooms, particularly for complex topics like grammar. It recommends the broader adoption of Kahoot! in language learning to optimize engagement and improve outcomes. Future research should explore its application across diverse educational contexts and other language skills to extend its benefits in advancing 21st-century education.