O ensino-aprendizagem de língua inglesa como LE através de videogames não didáticos

Abstract

Among the technologies currently found in students´ daily lives, the video game is certainly one of the most common. However, there is little academic research relating this media to the teaching-learning process of English as a Foreign Language (DEHAAN, 2010). Based on the work of Krashen (1981, 1982), it is believed that video games might be an effective support tool in the second-language acquisition process, as well as a motivational factor, as per the Multiple Intelligences theory developed by Gardner (1994) and the concepts developed by Gardner and Lambert (1972, 1985) and Ushioda (2012). From this perspective, this study aims to discuss the use of video games as a tool in this process. First, we present initial suggestions of possible practical uses of video games in classrooms based on the selected theories. Further, two separate questionnaires are developed. The first one verifies the contribution of video games in the incidental acquisition of English, while the second seeks to know the opinion of prospective English teachers about the role of video games in teaching and learning the language. The results of the study show what skills and aspects of English participants deem to be best developed through games and reveals that both research groups are generally favorable towards the inclusion of this media in the school environment, even though some limitations are outlined.