The Role of Mobile Gaming Apps in Improving Vocabulary Retention among Malaysian Public Univerity ESL Learners

This study explores the role of mobile gaming applications in improving vocabulary retention among a Malaysian public university ESL learners, aiming to coordinate usage patterns, perceptions, and effective design features. Anchored in Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) and Game-based learning views, the framework connects types of applications, perceptions, and design that helps retention. The study addressed a few problems including the limited retention of vocabulary acquisitions under traditional drill-based practices, confidence barriers in academic assignments, and limited evidence in the local context on mobile gaming. A quantitative survey involving 150 undergraduates, chosen through stratified random sampling, combined with snowballing. Data were collected via online Likert scale questionnaire over three months and statistically analysed using IBM SPSS adopting descriptives, ANOVA, chi-square, cross-tabs, and Cronbach’s Alpha. Results show the dominant in accessibility of smartphones, and mixed genres are typical, resulting repeated contextual exposure; perceived effectiveness showed positive trends for current gamers but are not statistically significant in the difference. Motivation and vocabulary self-regulation are predicted higher in a longer gameplay duration, while a positive trend is observed in enjoyment; dialogue and well-articulated objectives are deemed important, and older learners exhibit better academic transfer. In sum, through repeated, meaningful engagement, mobile gaming offers practical, realistic environment for strengthening vocabulary retention. The study suggests specific, story-driven combination and also suggests longitudinal, feature-level; trial across Malaysian tertiary learners.

Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL)

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