Kotoba RollersAn experiential language learning framework

Who am I?• James York aka Cheapshot

• Assistant Professor at Tokyo Denki University

• Research includes:

• Exploring the differences in spoken communication when completing tasks face to face vs online

• Analog games as part of a wider TBLT teaching framework

Why board games?• Board games are an untapped source for language learning

• They promote more social interaction than video games*

• Constructivist, sociocultural learning

• Extracurricular activities

• Improve engagement

• Student-centered learning

*some digital games ARE amazing. Spaceteam anyone?

But seriously…… it’s true.

Hidden roleGames used

CooperativeOne Night Werewolf

One Night Vampire

2 Rooms and a Boom

Resistance: Avalon

Spyfall

Forbidden Island

Pandemic

Dead of Winter

Burgle Bros.

Question Quest

Codenames

FrameworkHOME

IN CLASS

Pre-play activities

Gameplay activities

Post-play activities

Pre-play activities

Methodological PrincipalsYes Yes No OK No

Somewhat Somewhat

Unsure

Yes No

MP1 - Use task not text MP2 - Promote learning by doing MP3 - Elaborate Input MP4 - Provide rich input MP5 - Encourage chunk learning MP6 - Focus on form MP7 - Provide negative feedback MP8 - Respect learner syllabi and development process MP9 - Promote cooperative learning MP10 - Individualise instruction

AT HOMELearn the rules from rule book #reading Learn the rules from video #listening Write comprehension questions about rules #writing Watch game play video #listening Write useful phrases #writing

IN CLASSCheck rules #reading #listening #speaking

Pre-play

Play the game #speaking #listening #reading Make notes on vocabulary #writing Make notes on what you wanted to say but couldn’t #writing

Gameplay activities

Debriefing: Talk about problems, language or game-related #speaking #listening Focus on form (where necessary) #reading #writing Write a report of the game #writing Choose a new game for the following week

Post-play activities

Name Type Players Weight Play timeBurgle Bros. Coop 2-5 3 45 minsPandemic Coop 2-4 3 1 hour

Hanabi Coop - Memory 2-5 1 25 mins2 Rooms and a

BoomCoop (Teams) Hidden Roles 8+ 3 15 mins

Dead of Winter Coop 2-5 5 1 - 3 hoursForbidden Island Coop 2-4 3 30 - 45 mins

Munchkin Fight! 3-6 3 1 hourOne Night Werewolf Mystery 4-10 2 15 mins

Question Quest Word game Fight 2-6 2 30 mins

Resistance Avalon Coop (Teams) 5-10 2 45 mins

Mascarade Fight! Hidden Roles 2-13 2 45 mins

Codenames word game 4 - 8 2 45 minsSpyfall hidden role 4 - 8 3 10 mins

Assessment• Participation during class time

• Are they using English?

• Did they complete the comprehension questions?

• Are they encouraging their peers to use English?

• Are they being active participants?

• Weekly reports

• Final report and questionnaire

Findings so far

(Most) students love it.

30%

14%

12%

11%

8%

7%

5%4%

4%4%

1%

Goodpoints

fun

learning

communication

authentic

relaxed

makefriends

purposeful

cooperation

natural

novelty

65%

15%

8%

6%6%

Badpoints

SpokeJapanese

rulebook toodifficult

Difficult vocabulary

Didn't learnrules

Notenoughtimetoplay

Future direction

• Improve the framework

• Collect data on student spoken communication

• Collect data on vocabulary retention

Websiteblog.kotobaminers.org

Contactcheapshot@kotobaminers.org

Twitter@cheapshotFacebook

facebook.com/yorksensei

Contact