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GAME-BASED LEARNING IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO PRESCHOOLERS: A

PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Author: Berdikulova Zamira Albertovna
1
Affiliation: Master's student of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature at
the Nordic International University
1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15182591

ABSTRACT

Game-based learning (GBL) has emerged as an innovative and effective approach to early
childhood education, particularly in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to
preschoolers. This study explores the psychological underpinnings of GBL and its impact on
cognitive, social, and emotional development. By examining theoretical frameworks,
practical strategies, and classroom case studies, the paper demonstrates how interactive
games foster language acquisition, enhance motivation, and promote active learning. The
document also discusses challenges and provides recommendations for educators to
successfully implement game-based methods in preschool settings.

Keywords: Game-based learning, preschool education, language acquisition, cognitive
development, social interaction, emotional engagement, educational psychology, EFL.

INTRODUCTION
Language development during early childhood is both rapid and essential.
Traditional instructional techniques such as rote memorization often fall short in
engaging young learners, leading educators to seek innovative strategies. Game-
based learning (GBL) offers a dynamic, interactive, and learner-centered alternative
that not only makes language learning enjoyable but also supports cognitive and
social growth. This thesis investigates the psychological perspective behind GBL in
teaching English to preschoolers, highlighting its benefits, strategies, and potential
hurdles in classroom implementation.
Theoretical Background. Cognitive Development:Jean Piaget’s theory of
cognitive development asserts that children construct knowledge through active
engagement with their environment. Play is a fundamental component of this
process, allowing preschoolers to assimilate new vocabulary and grammatical
structures in context. GBL leverages play as a natural medium for learning,
transforming abstract language concepts into tangible experiences.
Sociocultural Theory.Lev Vygotsky emphasized the role of social interaction in
learning, proposing that language acquisition is deeply rooted in communication
and shared activities. GBL creates opportunities for collaborative learning where
children interact with peers and educators, thus providing scaffolding and contextual
clues that accelerate language development.
Motivation and Emotional Engagement. Intrinsic motivation plays a critical role
in early education. Game-based learning captivates preschoolers by providing 253
immediate feedback, rewards, and a sense of achievement. Such emotional

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