PRACTICAL STRATEGIES TO TEACH VOCABULARY THROUGH GAMES IN EFL BEGINNER CLASSES: THE CASE STUDY OF SOME SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABOMEY REGION.

Abstract

One of the difficult aspects of learning a foreign language, particularly in an EFL context, is vocabulary teaching and learning .This research work investigates the difficulties faced by EFL teachers and their learners in the process of teaching and learning English language .It aims at exploring the motivating potential of games in improving the teaching andlearning vocabulary in EFL beginners’ classes in Beninese secondary schools. This research work is carried out in two secondary schools in located in the Abomey municipality where 50 teachers and 300 learners were selected. Two types of questionnaires were designed and addressed to both EFL learners and teachers. The data collected was presented in forms of frequency ,tables, and figures .The findings reveal that although students love games , a large majority of Beninese EFL teachers rarely resort to them as a teaching technique but for entertaining purposes and as a time filling activity.Games, when used appropriately in EFL beginner classes yield positive impacts on EFL beginners’ listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities. 75% of Beninese teachers recognize that playing game is an efficient means for fighting anxiety in their classes .As a result, the study recommends that teachers be trained on the practical strategies and techniques to use games to motivate their EFL learners to communicate fluently in English language and to create a less-stressful classroom atmosphere.