Game-based learning as a pedagogical approach to enhance students’ motivation in learning Russian as a second language

Importance. Active mastery of a foreign language, including Russian as a foreign language, remains the desire of those who study the language. The intensification of the educational process sets the task of maintaining students' motivation for the material being studied. Game mechanics help to stimulate thinking, enhance initiative in learning. The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of using game mechanics to increase students' motivation when learning Russian as a foreign language.

Materials and Methods. The material for the research was the educational and methodological complex for studying Russian as a foreign language developed by L.V. Moskovkin and L.V. Silvina “Russian Language. Textbook for foreign students.” The scientific and methodological literature is analyzed, revealing aspects of game mechanics when teaching the Russian language. An experiment is conducted to identify the role of game mechanics in the lesson. When conducting the study, the methods of participant observation, survey, and generalization are used.

Results and Discussion. The presented theoretical material makes it clear that game mechanics are neither a game nor a role-playing simulation. They control the motivation and behavior of students in the learning process. This model gradually immerses students in certain activities and develops communication skills. The author’s results of the conducted research are presented, including a description of the game mechanics.

Conclusions. It is proved that game-based learning methods contribute to the initiation of the highest levels of engagement and motivation among foreign students when learning the Russian language. The integrated approach to learning has a positive impact on the educational process and is an effective means of teaching Russian as a foreign language, providing a guarantee for the successful future development of the training program. 

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