Situational Sets Effect on Role-Play Game Supported English for Specific Purposes Vocabulary Acquisition

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of using the Facebook online game, ChefVille, as an English learning tool to facilitate English for Specific Purpose (ESP) vocabulary acquisition. In addition, students’ learning motivation toward the Facebook online game, ChefVille was studied. This game used situational sets in a role-play game (RPG) learning environment as ways of bringing words together so that students related words to the central concept. The instruments used include a questionnaire, and two vocabulary tests. The results confirmed that incorporating an online RPG-based method facilitated students’ ESP vocabulary acquisition. It was also revealed that an online RPG-based learning method is effective in promoting motivation and changing attitudes toward vocabulary learning. The results derived from the experiment led to the conclusion that applying an online RPG-based learning strategy into ESP vocabulary learning can yield positive learning effect for the learners.