About the Conference
In February 2025, at UALC, I presented a project focused on integrating gamification into the teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) at the university level. This work is grounded in a clear premise: incorporating game based dynamics into the classroom not only increases student motivation but also fosters deeper engagement in the language acquisition process.
The presentation centered on the pedagogical adaptation of the popular board game *Ticket to Ride*, whose mechanics of route planning and strategic decision making provide an ideal framework for meaningful language use. Rather than functioning as a simple entertaining activity, the game becomes a space for authentic communication, where students actively apply grammatical structures, targeted vocabulary, and discourse strategies in real time.
A key focus of the project was how this tool supports the development of communicative competence within a collaborative environment. During gameplay, students negotiate, plan, and make decisions in the target language, promoting both interaction and teamwork. This type of active participation helps create a more dynamic classroom atmosphere, moving beyond traditional instruction.
The presentation also outlined several pedagogical strategies designed to maximize the game’s linguistic potential. These include pre teaching essential vocabulary, modifying rules to encourage consistent use of Spanish, and incorporating guided tasks that structure interaction throughout gameplay.
Ultimately, this proposal demonstrates that gamification, particularly through the innovative use of *Ticket to Ride*, can transform the SFL classroom into a more participatory, motivating, and effective learning environment. By aligning gameplay with clear pedagogical objectives, instructors can enhance language proficiency while making the learning experience more engaging and impactful.
