Gamified Learning in ELT: Investigating the Impact of Duolingo on Students’ Motivation and Engagement

This study investigates the impact of gamified learning, specifically through Duolingo, on students' motivation and engagement in English Language Teaching (ELT) within Indonesian higher education. Utilizing a quantitative design, data were collected from 246 university students via validated questionnaires assessing Duolingo usage, motivation, and engagement. Findings reveal significant positive influences of both gamified learning and Duolingo usage on students' motivation and engagement. Descriptive statistics showed high mean scores across these variables, indicating a strong positive perception and correlation. Homogeneity tests confirmed consistent data patterns. Multiple regression analysis (R² = 0.975, p < 0.001) demonstrated that 97.5% of the variance in motivation and engagement is explained by these factors, with both gamified learning and Duolingo usage showing highly significant positive effects. These results emphasize the critical role of integrating gamification into ELT to foster intrinsic interest and active participation. The study concludes that gamified platforms like Duolingo effectively enhance students' motivation and engagement in English acquisition, advocating for their strategic incorporation to create more enjoyable and effective learning experiences.