MIXED-REALITY FOR TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS: PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCE IN USING GATHER.TOWN FOR TEACHING VOCABULARY

This study aims to explore how pre-service teachers (PSTs) in the English Young Learners (EYL) programs utilize mixed-reality technology, particularly the Gather.Town platform to teach vocabulary to elementary students in grades 1-6 attending a Kids English Camp at UMM. The research focuses on how virtual and interactive environments can connect digital and real-world learning experiences. Participants were students enrolled in the 2022 academic year or in their sixth semester in the English Language Education Department (ELED) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang who participated in the CoE EYL program in 2025. Data were collected using qualitative methods, including observation, field notes, video recordings, and in-depth interviews. The study examines PSTs perspectives on the use of Gather.Town for vocabulary teaching in terms of students' engagement, material development, instructional practices, and Gather.Town appropriateness for young learners. The results indicate that PSTs who were trained to use Gather.Town reported that the platform boosted students’ motivation and engagement through game-based vocabulary activities such as scavenger hunts and guessing games. However, the findings also reveal challenges, including technical difficulties and young learners' familiarity with technology. Overall, the findings show that the Gather.Town platform has the potential to serve as a vocabulary instruction tool, but this potential must be strengthened through sufficient teacher training.