How Effective are L1 Games in Improving the Understanding of English Grammar for University Students?
ABSTRACT
This study reveals the university students’ responses on how effective is the use of L1 games in increasing their understanding of English (L2) grammar. It is worthy of note to discover how the use of Indonesian (L1) games could improve the students’ grammar comprehension. The purposes of this study are to discover the university students’ opinion of using games in any grammar classes they have experienced, their feedback on the use of L1 games in learning L2 grammar, and the effectiveness of the use of L1 games in improving their understanding of L2 grammar. The data were obtained from the two questionnaires distributed to 43 Indonesian university students, who took Grammar: Verb Patterns class, in two different meetings and also from class observation in four consecutive class meetings. The data were analyzed by counting the students’ opinion in the two questionnaires one by one and then putting them into several tables with certain categories. The findings show that the use of L1 games are effective for improving students’ grammar comprehension. By engaging in L1 games, students learn L2 grammar in a more enjoyable yet meaningful way. As a result, their English grammar understanding will increase remarkably together with their enjoyment in participating in the games. Results from the study provide insights and strategies for any university lecturers in providing their students with L1 games to improve their students’ comprehension of English grammar. The result of this study can also be used for any teachers to include their L1 games in teaching English grammar to their students.
KEYWORDS
L1 games, Effectiveness, L2 Grammar