IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Utilization of Wordwall Gamification Application to Improve Students' Cognitive Creativity and Critical Thinking in English Lessons

Abin, Rais (Unknown)
Sultan (Unknown)
La Ode Muhammad Idrus Hamid B. (Unknown)
Ray Suryadi (Unknown)
Kevin Hendrawan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Nov 2025

Abstract

In the digital era, interactive learning aligned with Generation Z's characteristics is crucial. Based on constructivist theory, gamification through Wordwall offers innovative ways to enhance student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. Yet, English instruction for eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 2 Samaturu remains traditional, limiting cognitive creativity and critical thinking development. This research analyzes Wordwall's impact on these skills among 25 randomly selected eighth-grade students. A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was implemented over eight weeks (three sessions weekly). Instruments included writing tests for cognitive creativity, speaking tests for critical thinking, and observation checklists for engagement. SPSS one-sample t-test analysis showed significant gains. Cognitive creativity reached a mean of 80.12 (t=5.28 > t-table 2.06, p<0.05, Cohen's d=1.06—large effect). Critical thinking averaged 81.64 (t=6.18 > 2.06, p<0.05, d=1.24—large effect), confirming Wordwall's substantial influence. The intervention fostered 21st-century skills effectively. Limitations encompass the pre-experimental design and small single-school sample. Recommendations urge Wordwall integration in junior high curricula; future studies should adopt randomized controlled trials with larger, diverse cohorts. Keywords: Wordwall, gamification, cognitive creativity, critical thinking, English learning.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...