THE ROLE OF INTERACTIVE DIGITAL TOOLS IN ENHANCING STUDENTS’ ENGAGEMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSROOMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63878/jalt2218Keywords:
mixed-methods, educational technology, engagement, achievement, English language learning, interactive digital tools.Abstract
The purpose of this study is to find out how interactive digital tools can enhance students' academic achievement and engagement in secondary school English language classrooms in District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. The research employs a mixed-methods research design and uses quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to provide a holistic view of the impact of digital tools. The study used a standardized Likert-scale questionnaire to collect quantitative data from 250 students randomly selected (using stratified random sampling) from government and private schools and semi-structured interviews with 20 English language teachers (using purposive sampling) to collect qualitative data. The research examines the extent to which interactive digital tools impact students' English language learning achievement and their behavioural, emotional and cognitive engagement. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically while the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t-tests, ANOVA, correlation and multiple regression). In addition to the most effective digital tools, the study also examines teachers' and students' perceptions of their use in the classroom. The findings reveal a relationship between the use of interactive digital tools and increased student engagement and learning outcomes. The study highlights the importance of integrating technology into English as second language teaching and learning to establish active and student-focused learning environments. It has implications for teachers, curriculum developers, and policymakers that are interested in improving language learning through digital innovation.
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