An experimental study on the effect of games on young adults' success in learning English grammar

11 ABSTRACT This study was carried out to find out the effects of games in teaching grammar to young adults. Through classroom observations, the researcher assumed that using games with adult learners would be an effective technique for learning grammar. However, no information or studies could be found on the subject and therefore it was decided to undertake an experimental study to determine whether using games with adults would be an effective learning tool. The data was obtained from experimental studies carried out in the Travel and Accommodation Management Departments at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University School of Tourism and Hotel Management (here after COMU STHM). These data consisted of the results of pre and post tests administered to experimental and control groups. Several games were applied to the experimental groups whereas the control group was instructed with traditional techniques. Five different structures (past perfect, passive voice, conditional II, conditional in, reported speech) were taught in the same way and the results obtained for three of the structures were higher when games were used, whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups for the other two structures. When the results of this study are examined, it is seen that the group taught through games got higher marks from three structures out of the five. These results therefore indicated that games are not only useful for children but also for adults when the goals of the games are explained to them. In addition to the results obtained, the researcher noticed that the group of students who practiced structures with games fek more motivated and interested in what they were doing. However, the time they spent working on the structures was usually slightly longer than when other techniques were used with the other class. One of the main purposes of carrying out this study was to challenge the idea that games are only for children and to provide a resource for further research, since... 111 the starting point of this investigation arose from the lack of resources and research on this subject. In conclusion, using games in grammar learning with adults seems to be advantageous and effective, especially if they are used at the most appropriate time.