Poster Session Gamifying Vocabulary with Gimkit: Classroom Insights from Mobile Quiz-Based Learning more

This poster presentation explores the use of Gimkit as a gamified vocabulary review tool in ESL and TOEIC preparation courses at a Japanese university. Traditionally, vocabulary instruction in these courses has relied on printed word lists, quizzes, and standardized testing — methods which often result in low engagement and limited retention. As an exploratory classroom project, this study examines how Gimkit — a gamified quiz-based platform — supports vocabulary review through repetition, self-paced practice, and interactive game elements. While Gimkit is not a game in the traditional sense, its point systems, power-ups, and competitive modes fostered noticeably higher student motivation, engagement, and autonomy compared to previous vocabulary learning approaches used in the same courses. Students engaged with word lists derived from the New General Service List (NGSL) and TOEIC Service List (TSL), encountering approximately 1,000 words over a 15-week course. Accessing Gimkit via mobile devices allowed for flexible review outside of class. Informal student feedback and classroom observations suggest that Gimkit made vocabulary study more interactive and enjoyable, helping students to reinforce known words, strengthen partial knowledge, and gain exposure to new vocabulary. This poster will present key classroom insights, implementation strategies, and practical takeaways for educators interested in gamified vocabulary learning.