GAMIFICATION IN ESP TEACHING: A CASE STUDY TO EXPLORE CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES IN ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN THE FLSP COURSE

This research aims to explore the challenges encountered by instructors when implementing gamification in the teaching and learning of English for Specific Purposes in the FLSP course and to examine the strategies employed by instructors to address these challenges. A qualitative case study design was used in this study. The instruments for this research included interviews, observations, and document analysis. Four FLSP instructors were selected as participants using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling. The results of this study showed that the FLSP instructors encountered various challenges, including difficulties in adapting meaningful game mechanics, failure to achieve learning goals, lack of institutional support, students’ language barriers, and difficulties in managing large class sizes. Additionally, the instructors employed strategies to address these challenges, such as setting clear learning goals, carefully adapting meaningful game mechanics, applying flexible and adaptive strategies, selecting appropriate gamification tools, and reviewing the materials. Ultimately, this study not only deepens the understanding of gamification implementation in language learning but also serves as a foundation for future research and innovative teaching in ESP class.