Incidental Vocabulary Learning Through Hidden-Object Game: Gardenscapes

Abstract

Incidental vocabulary learning is considered as one of the main sources of learner-centered vocabulary acquisition in real-world situations. Recent studies have examined how information technology media can facilitate learners in acquiring vocabulary incidentally. More specifically, the affordances of hidden-object game, such as stimulating matching the correct objects with the words may be applied to construct an incidental language learning environment. The aim of this study is to investigate how the Gardenscapes game facilitates the learners in incidental vocabulary learning. Ten participants of eight-grade students took part in this study and the data were collected using tests and interview. The result of this study confirms that the participants showed progress in learning new vocabulary through the game. The data also demonstrate that learners acquired the target vocabulary incidentally after being exposed to the game’s vocabulary. Words guessing, still, is the common strategy used by learners while playing the game. Concisely, the game’s visual facilitated the participants to learn the vocabulary through the game.