The Use of Gamification and Tiktok to Teach Vocabulary to Secondary Students

Identifier:  TFM:2387

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM2387

Authors:  Milihi El Abboudi, Samia

Abstract:
The aim of this research is to analyze whether the incorporation of TikTok and gamification as educational tools is effective in improving the acquisition and retention of vocabulary, as well as enhancing students’ motivation and engagement in the classroom. The study was carried out with a group of 4th-year secondary education students (ESO) who had a low level of English and a very limited vocabulary. To assess the effectiveness of the proposal, students participated in a learning scenario based on overcoming gamified challenges to practice vocabulary and creating TikTok videos as a tool to support word retention in real and meaningful contexts. Data were collected through direct classroom observation, interviews, and exit tickets. The results indicate that both tools contribute positively to student motivation and vocabulary retention. However, it was observed that gamification promotes only short-term retention. To counteract this effect, TikTok activities were scheduled after gamified challenges, with the aim of consolidating learning in realistic and playful contexts.