Vocab Quest: An Engaging Digital Game for Enhancing English Vocabulary Skills among Foundation Students at Politeknik Nilai

Vocabulary learning is a core component of English language education, yet many foundation students struggle with retention and application when relying on traditional teaching methods. This extended abstract presents VocabQuest, a gamified digital innovation designed to improve vocabulary acquisition through interactive, syllabus-based activities. Developed using the ADDIE model, which strengthens methodological rigor, the innovation integrates cost-effective and widely accessible platforms such as Kahoot, Quizizz, and Wordwall to create three main game modes: Word Hunter, Match & Win, and Survival Quiz. These activities are supported by a reward system of points, badges, and leaderboards to enhance motivation. A pilot study with 30 students revealed a 20% improvement in vocabulary test scores and strong positive feedback on engagement. The findings suggest that VocabQuest enhances not only vocabulary mastery but also fosters motivation, confidence, and essential 21st-century skills such as collaboration and digital literacy. The innovation’s novelty lies in its integration of gamification with syllabus-aligned content, ensuring pedagogical relevance while maintaining learner interest. Overall, VocabQuest demonstrates strong potential as a transformative, student-centered approach to language education. Scalable and cost-effective, VocabQuest has strong potential for wider adoption across Politeknik campuses and other educational institutions, demonstrating the transformative power of gamified learning in language education.

English Language Education, Vocabulary Acquisition

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