Playful Pathways to Integration: GAME ON Project’s Triumph in Language Learning for Migrants and Refugees
Introduction:
The GAME ON project, a co-funded initiative under the Erasmus + program, has reached its successful conclusion, achieving its goals of promoting the social inclusion of migrants and refugees through innovative language learning games. This groundbreaking project employed a non-formal, game-based approach, focusing on everyday dialogues to facilitate the linguistic integration of adult migrants and refugees. Focused on everyday dialogues, the project addresses the unique linguistic needs of adult migrants and refugees, providing a holistic solution to their integration challenges.
Project Achievements:
- Methodological Guide on Language Learning Through Games:
The completion of the project brings forth a comprehensive Methodological Guide, meticulously developed after collecting inputs from two crucial piloting phases—one involving language teachers and the other focusing on migrants and refugees learning language. This guide, rooted in desk research and focus group insights, offers a robust methodological framework for integrating Game-Based Learning into language classes. Available for download on the project website in partner languages, the guide encompasses an introduction to the developed games, a theory of Game-Based Learning, Methodological Guidelines, and an Evaluation section.
- Teachers Training:
A pivotal aspect of the project involved organizing pilot training courses for language teachers and professionals working with migrants and refugees. A 16-hour language course, presenting diverse methods and approaches centered around Game-Based Learning, we organised by each partner of the project. Positive feedback from participants highlighted the engagement, fun, and motivation embedded in the game-based method. As the project partners conclude the final stages of local-level piloting, the potential for the game-based approach to enhance learning success has become increasingly apparent.
- Development of Language Learning Games for A1/A2 Levels:
A noteworthy outcome of the project is the creation of 37 language learning games. These games, strategically divided into six thematic units, include 24 physical games and 13 digital games. Language learning workshops, conducted in each partner country, leveraged these games to facilitate integration by combining fun with study. Participants not only explored diverse methods but also experienced increased motivation and involvement in language lessons.
Types of Games Utilised:
- Digital games created on the Quizziz platform.
- Board games
- Card games
- Domino
- Mime
- Role plays
- Scrambled sentences
- Sudoku
- Puzzle
- Bingo
- Twister
- Musical chairs
Conclusion:
The tangible success of the GAME ON project is evident in the availability of all project results, including the diverse range of language learning games, on the project website. These resources, accessible in English, French, German, Greek, Italian, and Spanish, signify the project’s readiness to make a positive impact. With completed courses for trainers and learners, the games stand as a testament to the effectiveness of innovative, game-based approaches in promoting language learning and, consequently, social inclusion among migrants and refugees. The GAME ON project has not only achieved its goals but has paved the way for a more engaging and effective language learning paradigm.
Visit the website: https://gameonproject.eu/
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Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-ADU-000033529
Erasmus Plus – KA2 – Cooperative Partnership in Adult Education
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.