Integrating a Game-Based App to Enhance Translation Learners’ Engagement, Motivation, and Performance

Abstract

This study investigated whether learning translation skills with a game-based learning app called CHEN-slate improves university learners’ motivation, course engagement, and overall course performance. In all, 75 undergraduate Taiwanese EFL students participated in this study. A survey and individual semistructured interviews were employed to collect data. Regression analysis and content analysis semistrutctured interview were used to analyze the data. According to the Regression results, student attitude towards using the app was a strong predictor of course engagement and translation learning motivation. Moreover, the overall course grade of the learners was enhanced through higher course engagement, which was increased by their learning motivation, especially extrinsic motivation based on the regression results. The findings have provided pedagogical implications for English–Chinese translation instructors seeking to enhance learner motivation, engagement, and performance by adopting digital game–based learning. Suggestions for future studies to promote the adoption of using game-based app in translation courses for university EFL students are provided.