The document discusses the 'kotoba rollers' experiential language learning framework, emphasizing the use of board games to enhance language acquisition through social interaction and cooperative learning. It outlines methodological principles for pre-play, gameplay, and post-play activities, along with suggestions for assessment and improving student engagement. Feedback from students reveals a strong preference for this approach, although challenges such as language and complexity of rules remain.

1. Kotoba Rollers
An experiential language learning framework

2. 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

3. 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?

5. But seriously…
… it’s true.

6. Hidden role
Games used
Cooperative
One Night Werewolf
One Night Vampire
2 Rooms and a Boom
Resistance: Avalon
Spyfall
Forbidden Island
Pandemic
Dead of Winter
Burgle Bros.
Question Quest
Codenames

7. Framework
HOME
IN CLASS
Pre-play activities
Gameplay activities
Post-play activities
Pre-play activities

8. Methodological Principals
Yes
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

9. AT HOME
Learn 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 CLASS
Check rules #reading #listening #speaking
Pre-play

14. 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

21. 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

23. Name Type Players Weight Play time
Burgle Bros. Coop 2-5 3 45 mins
Pandemic Coop 2-4 3 1 hour
Hanabi Coop - Memory 2-5 1 25 mins
2 Rooms and a
Boom
Coop (Teams)
Hidden Roles
8+ 3 15 mins
Dead of Winter Coop 2-5 5 1 - 3 hours
Forbidden Island Coop 2-4 3 30 - 45 mins
Munchkin Fight! 3-6 3 1 hour
One 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 mins
Spyfall hidden role 4 - 8 3 10 mins

24. 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

25. Findings so far
(Most) students love it.

27. 30%
14%
12%
11%
8%
7%
5%
4%
4%
4%
1%
Good points
fun
learning
communication
authentic
relaxed
make friends
purposeful
cooperation
natural
novelty

28. 65%
15%
8%
6%
6%
Bad points
Spoke Japanese
rulebook too difficult
Difficult vocabulary
Didn't learn rules
Not enough time to play

29. Future direction
• Improve the framework
• Collect data on student spoken communication
• Collect data on vocabulary retention

30. Website
blog.kotobaminers.org
Contact
cheapshot@kotobaminers.org
Twitter
@cheapshot
Facebook
facebook.com/yorksensei
Contact