Join the party: An RPG model for the language classroom
Document Type
Paper Presentation
Presenter Language
English
Research Area
Second language acquisition
Location
MBSC Omaha Room 304
Start Date
18-10-2024 11:30 AM
End Date
18-10-2024 12:00 PM
Abstract
Role-playing games (RPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons are an ideal means of communicative language teaching (CLT) due to the central role of contextual learning, negotiation of meaning, and collaborative learning in their play. However, existing RPGs can be difficult to incorporate into the Spanish-language classroom due to several factors. Among these is the high cost of entry to learn the game’s rules and the frequent necessity to assign a dungeon master/game master to lead the party. RPGs often require extended periods of play and can be comprised of many sessions in a campaign. Furthermore, there are a limited number of Spanish-language RPGs, which makes it difficult to discover pre-existing RPGs appropriate for the Spanish-language classroom.
In this presentation, I will introduce an original RPG tailored to language teaching. Full playthrough consists of a single session, completable in under one hour with no dungeon master/game master. Sessions are scaffolded through a shared plan that the students create together before roleplaying as individuals, which facilitates collaboration and student output as they develop their story together. Furthermore, the game can be easily customized to match the vocabulary and content of any language unit.
I will also present an analysis of collaborative learning strategies utilized by L1 English, L2 Spanish learners who played the RPG as part of their 3rd-semester Spanish language course. The analysis will provide examples of team problem-solving, peer support, and conflict resolution observed during the session. Finally, I will discuss how this tool could be modified or supplemented to target a wide variety of language skills.
Join the party: An RPG model for the language classroom
MBSC Omaha Room 304
Role-playing games (RPGs) such as Dungeons & Dragons are an ideal means of communicative language teaching (CLT) due to the central role of contextual learning, negotiation of meaning, and collaborative learning in their play. However, existing RPGs can be difficult to incorporate into the Spanish-language classroom due to several factors. Among these is the high cost of entry to learn the game’s rules and the frequent necessity to assign a dungeon master/game master to lead the party. RPGs often require extended periods of play and can be comprised of many sessions in a campaign. Furthermore, there are a limited number of Spanish-language RPGs, which makes it difficult to discover pre-existing RPGs appropriate for the Spanish-language classroom.
In this presentation, I will introduce an original RPG tailored to language teaching. Full playthrough consists of a single session, completable in under one hour with no dungeon master/game master. Sessions are scaffolded through a shared plan that the students create together before roleplaying as individuals, which facilitates collaboration and student output as they develop their story together. Furthermore, the game can be easily customized to match the vocabulary and content of any language unit.
I will also present an analysis of collaborative learning strategies utilized by L1 English, L2 Spanish learners who played the RPG as part of their 3rd-semester Spanish language course. The analysis will provide examples of team problem-solving, peer support, and conflict resolution observed during the session. Finally, I will discuss how this tool could be modified or supplemented to target a wide variety of language skills.