The Use of Educational Games as a Teaching Technique For Developing Learners’ Vocabulary Knowledge Case of Study: 3rd Year EFL Pupils at AL CHAHID ZITOUNI EL JOUDI Middle School in KASER CHELLALA. Tiaret.

Abstract

Vocabulary learning is considered as an essential and a difficult part in any foreign language learning as the meanings of new words are very often emphasized. That is why English teachers should use useful techniques to keep learners „ curiosity and excitement about vocabulary rolling . Therefore , the present research attempted to investigate the Algerian English language teachers‟ use of educational games in their English classes to develop learners‟ vocabulary knowledge .In addition it aimed at identifying the effectiveness and the importance of using educational games in EFL classes . The study was carried out with fifty third year learners and three English teachers from "Alchahid zitouni el joudi " middle school, in addition to three more English teachers from another middle school . The investigation was based on the Mixed Methods Research , to collect the necessary information. A questionnaire wsa addressed to learners and an interview was structured to teachers to examin their attitudes towards the use of educational games in the teaching as well as the learning process. The results indicates that learners have a positive attitudes toward this technique since it helps them understand vocabulary easily. Moreover, the findings showed that teachers use this method because they believe that games are used not only for mere fun, but more importantly, for the useful practice and review of language lessons, thus leading toward the goal of developing learners „ vocabulary knowledge.