Using the Word Clues Guessing Game to Enhance Students' Business English Vocabulary Knowledge through Game-based Learning Activities

Makawan Nakjan

doi:10.60027/iarj.2026.e301714

Authors

Makawan Nakjan Phetchaburi Rajabhat University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8421-6067

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2026.e301714

Keywords:

Business English Terminology Development, Word Clues Guessing Game, Learning Activities

Abstract

Background and Aims: Developing students' business vocabulary skills is crucial for professional communication and future careers. Business vocabulary helps students effectively understand documents, meetings, and organizational communications. Furthermore, it boosts confidence in using English and enhances their competitiveness in the global job market. This study has the purpose to: 1) determine the effectiveness of using the Word Clues Guessing Game to enhance English business vocabulary knowledge and comprehension of students majoring in Business English, and 2) examine the students’ satisfaction with learning management utilizing the game-based instructional activities.

Methodology: The research used a quasi-experimental design, with the sample consisting of 33 first-year Business English students selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments were: 1) lesson plans incorporating the Word Clues Guessing Game to enhance business vocabulary knowledge and comprehension, 2) a multiple-choice test measuring knowledge of vocabulary properties related to business vocabulary administered as a pretest and posttest, and 3) a questionnaire used for assessing the students’ satisfaction with the use of the Word Clues Guessing Game for learning the vocabulary.

Results: The findings revealed that; 1) the instructional effectiveness utilizing the Word Clues Guessing Game for developing the vocabulary knowledge and comprehension of the students (E₁-E₂) was at 81.82/92.40 higher than the preset criteria, 2) the students’ post-test scores were significantly higher than their pre-test scores at the .05 level, and 3) the students’ overall satisfaction with the learning management utilizing the Word Clues Guessing Game to enhance their business vocabulary knowledge and comprehension was overall at the highest level (\bar{x}=4.60, S.D.=0.59).

Conclusion: The use of a Word Clues Guessing Game enhances not only vocabulary knowledge but also thinking skills, communication, and learning motivation through psychological elements such as competition, technology integration, and rewards. It also promotes collaborative learning, encouraging students to express themselves, learn from peers, and share responsibility in teamwork. Additionally, it allows teachers to provide immediate feedback while maximizing opportunities for authentic English use, thereby improving essential skills such as speaking, listening, interpreting, and critical thinking.

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