Technique Feature Analysis Revisited: Enhancing Digital Game-Based Vocabulary Learning Design

The technique feature analysis (TFA) checklist and digital game-based vocabulary learning (DGBVL) were introduced for enhancing incidental vocabulary learning (IVL) gains. However, TFA precision was found to be random owing to factors causing cognitive overload, especially in DGBVL activities. Therefore, this study aimed to revise TFA by examining the effect of cognitive load theory (CLT)-informed DGBVL activity design on IVL. CEFR A۲-level Omani-Arabic speakers (N = ۱۴۰) were randomly assigned to a control and three experimental groups, where they completed DGBVL activities with optimized intrinsic (IL), extraneous (EL), or germane (GL) cognitive load for learning ۱۰ target words incidentally. Participants were tested immediately and three weeks later on ۸ aspects of word knowledge. Results showed that the experimental groups outperformed, and the TFA checklist precision was enhanced, suggesting that CLT-informed designs were effective. Pedagogically, teachers, material developers, and researchers can use our enhanced TFA checklist for designing effective DGBVL activities.

کلیدواژه ها:

Digital Game-Based Vocabulary Learning (DGBVL) ، incidental vocabulary learning ، Technique Feature Analysis (TFA) ، Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) ، Involvement Load Hypothesis (ILH) ، video games