| Abstract |
Teaching essay writing is a challenging task for most instructors as writing is a skill that requires continuous practice. Learning to master essay writing skills is also a problem face by students in all educational levels. Despite the numerous efforts put in by the instructors, students still face challenges when they are asked to write. EyWriG (Essay Writing Game) is developed to establish a teaching learning environment in a game-based situation. The objective of EyWriG application is to assist students in learning essay writing through games, hence sustaining their writing interest. The idea of EyWriG, which comes from the joint construction of essay in classrooms, is being transformed into a game that can be played by two to four players. Every player will be given a set of words which are selected from Laufer and Nation’s (1999) five levels of vocabulary, namely, 2000, 3000, UWL, 5000 and 10000 levels. In addition to the vocabulary lists, prepositions, pronouns and articles will also be given. Players take turn to compose an essay by forming meaningful sentences from the list of words given, with the first player setting the context of the essay. With EyWriG, students can navigate through the learning environment of essay writing through their mobile phones, tablets and laptops. They can polish their writing skills and enhance their grammar and vocabulary skills while interacting with the other players in the games. EyWriG can be linked to the English language syllabus in the primary, secondary and tertiary levels as writing is one of the skills that is taught and tested in schools. EyWriG can also be adopted by language instructors to create a suitable teaching and learning environment which is student-centered in that students are active in playing the games and have the leading roles, with teachers as facilitators. |