PROPOSAL FOR GAMIFICATION TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN ENGLISH IN THE FIELD OF ENGINEERING

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5585122530093

• Palavras-chave: Gamification; English communication skills; Engineering; Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); Student motivation; Active methodologies.

• Keywords: Gamification; English communication skills; Engineering; Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); Student motivation; Active methodologies.

• Abstract:

  This article addresses the implementation of gamification as a pedagogical strategy to strengthen English communication skills in the field of engineering. It is based on the premise that, in a globalized and digitized context, proficiency in English is essential for professional performance, particularly in technical areas where effective communication is key. In Mexico, the low proportion of the population that is proficient in English reflects the need to explore innovative teaching alternatives, including the use of active methodologies supported by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
  The research was carried out with a group of engineers from the company TEC Engineering in Mexico, who took an intermediate-level English program. The strategy consisted of integrating gamified dynamics through a system of points and digital badges, supported by platforms such as Educaplay, Kahoot, Wordwall, and Google Forms. Over the course of twelve weeks, weekly activities were implemented that allowed students to accumulate scores and obtain digital recognition, encouraging motivation and commitment to the course.
  The results show a progressive increase in student performance and participation, reflected in the higher number of badges obtained in the middle and final blocks of the course. Likewise, the survey conducted at the end of the experience showed a high level of satisfaction and positive perception of the strategy used, highlighting the role of gamification in promoting intrinsic motivation and autonomous learning.
  In conclusion, this proposal shows that gamification not only contributes to strengthening communication skills in English, but also presents itself as an effective methodology for improving the performance and motivation of engineering students, generating a model that can be replicated in other educational and professional contexts.