GAMIFYING THE CLASSROOM: HOW TEACHERS USE DUOLINGO KIDS TO BOOST ENGLISH VOCABULARY

Abstract

In the digital age, mastery of English vocabulary has become a crucial competency for elementary school students. Unfortunately, conventional monotonous approaches often reduce their interest in learning. This study explores how the Duolingo Kids app can transform the stigma of boring learning into an enjoyable learning experience. A narrative literature review method in elementary schools in the Pondok Rajeg area revealed that teachers consider this app to be an effective tool for stimulating student enthusiasm through attractive visuals and realistic audio interactions. However, a key finding in this study emphasizes that technology is only a tool; true success remains in the hands of teachers as mentors who balance digital interaction with social needs in the classroom. This study offers a new perspective on how gamification can transform the challenge of learning vocabulary into an enjoyable discovery process for the younger generation.