The Effect of Using Web-Site Games on Saudi Pupils' Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Acquisition, and Motivation

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the effect of using web-site games on the route and the rate of Saudi pupils' reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and motivation quantitatively and qualitatively. The sample of the study consisted of forty male pupils from Madinah Directorate of Education. Anwar AL-Faihaa' School was randomly chosen from the total number of basic schools in that directorate in the first semester of the academic year 2011-2012. In that school, there were two sixth grade classes:  Section (A) consisted of 20 students and it was assigned as an experimental group, while the other was decided to be a controlling group. It was also consisted of 20 students. Data were collected with twelve weeks via a pre-posttest design for equivalent group. The results of the study indicated that students who were taught using web-site games had better results than those who were taught using the traditional method. The researcher concluded that web-site games could facilitate pupils' reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition since they motivate students and make them involved in the teaching process. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education represented by the Directorate of Curricula should accompany the main English textbooks with links to web-site games that do not harm or contradict with our traditions and our culture. Additionally, there is a need for more computerized games to teach other language components and skills. Moreover, the educational philosophies, methodologies, and curricula should be rearranged to design other web-sites of educational games as integral strategies to meet the needs of the new age since they contribute to the development of students'  language skills and mental growth.

Keywords: Web-Site Games, Motivation, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Acquisition, Saudi Pupils.