Enhancing Vocabulary Usage Through Word Games

This study examines the effect of word games on vocabulary acquisition in the context of Advanced Certificate in English (ACE) learners at the Sri Lanka Youth Vocational Training Centre of the National Youth Services Council. Using a quasi-experimental mixed methods approach, the study included twenty participants engaged in pre- and post-tests, class observations, and feedbacks. The intervention process involved the use of word games for six weeks including activities such as crosswords, scrabble, and vocabulary relays. From the quantitative results point of view, there has been a significant improvement in post-test scores from an average score of 47.5 in the pre-test to 62.8 in the post-test. As for qualitative results, there has been a positive motivation level, cooperation, and low anxiety levels among the learners. At the same time, there were some issues including limited memory span and resource constraints. Generally, word games were found to be a very effective pedagogical technique in terms of vocabulary acquisition.