Learners confined to artificial classroom settings often struggle to ascribe and embody contextualized meanings (Lombardi, 2007). Contextualized meanings are a fundamental part of the learning process (Gee, 2004). To elaborate on this point, Gee articulated that there are several essential components required for the development of situated meaning (e.g., dialogue, image, experience, action). These essential components can impact one’s ability to transfer and apply knowledge. The limited ability to transfer and apply knowledge is often exacerbated among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners (Chen, et al., 2013; Ozverir, Herrington, & Osam, 2016). To address this, the research presented in this paper explores how EFL learners can organically increase literacy and fluency opportunities through virtual interaction. The authors contend that gameful learning1 may offer EFL learners a captivating environment in which to engage with natural language on a more routine basis and subsequently improve English fluency.
Fluency Instruction with English Language Learners
Creative implementation of first-language fluency instruction has occurred with younger-aged cohorts in traditional settings. Cahill and Gregory (2011) documented originative teaching methods with young learners that incorporated techniques such as riddles, Readers Theatre, songs, and speeches. A valid argument can be made that the components of creative first-language fluency instruction should be reflected amid the innovations within EFL instruction across K-12 settings; however, there is insufficient literature on age-appropriate activities intended for high school EFL students.
Authentic communication experiences in EFL classrooms are necessary to increase fluency and deepen foreign language comprehension. Research posits that social learning spaces nurture the capacity for language acquisition. Interaction between students and classroom teachers is crucial, and peer-to-peer synergy holds greater potential for increased authentic engagement, particularly with EFL learners. Yet, Chen, Chen, and Sun (2010) contend that collaborative learning environments, allowing EFL learners adequate practice with reading comprehension, are scarce.
Furthermore, the geographic isolation of EFL learners may inhibit the opportunity for genuine communication in ideal settings, and therein lead to insufficient language input (Wu, Chen, & Huang, 2014, p. 209). EFL learners are often educationally restrained by exiguous exposure and accessibility to native speakers.
Retrospectively, educators must “think beyond convention, … to design engaging opportunities for young people to learn and express their understandings” (Lamb & Johnson, 2010, p. 76). Gameful learning environments may present a viable solution for educators (Chiu, Kao, Reynolds, 2012) through the optimization of virtual interactions with native speakers.