Unboxing autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and oral skills among EFL learners: Insights into gamification through the lens of broaden-and-build theory

Abstract

The growing interest in gamification as a pedagogical tool has highlighted its potential to enhance engagement and general language proficiency. However, limited research has specifically investigated its effects on autonomous and controlled motivation, as well as its role in fostering oral skills in EFL contexts. Addressing these gaps, this study draws on the Broaden-and-build Theory to examine the impact of gamification on autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and oral skills among Chinese EFL learners. Utilizing a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, the study involved an experimental group (EG, n = 253) that participated in gamified learning activities and a control group (CG, n = 261) that followed traditional instructional methods. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests to compare the groups' performance before and after the intervention. The results revealed that the EG exhibited significantly higher levels of autonomous motivation and oral skill proficiency compared to the CG. Additionally, controlled motivation levels increased among learners in the gamified setting. These findings underscore the potential of gamification to not only promote autonomy but also enhance oral language development in EFL learners. The implications of the study suggest that integrating gamification into language instruction can create more engaging and effective learning experiences, offering valuable insights for educators and curriculum designers aiming to optimize EFL teaching practices.