Enhancing Maritime Vocabulary Acquisition for Ratings at Akademi Laut Malaysia Through Gamification

Abstract

The integration of gamification in education has emerged as a transformative approach to enhance learning outcomes, particularly in specialized fields such as maritime training. This review explores the effectiveness of gamification in maritime vocabulary acquisition among ratings at Akademi Laut Malaysia. Traditional methods of vocabulary instruction often fail to engage students and meet their diverse learning needs. By applying game design elements in non-game contexts, gamification offers interactive and immersive learning experiences that significantly improve motivation, engagement, and retention of maritime terminology. This study synthesizes existing research on gamification in education, with a particular focus on its application in maritime training. Key strategies discussed include the use of digital flashcards, narrative-driven quests, and simulations that create competitive yet collaborative learning environments. The findings underscore the potential of gamification to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, making vocabulary acquisition more effective and enjoyable. However, successful implementation requires careful alignment with educational objectives, inclusivity, and adequate resource allocation. Challenges such as ensuring intrinsic motivation and addressing inequalities among students are also considered. By providing a comprehensive analysis, this review contributes to understanding how gamification can revolutionize maritime education and better prepare ratings at Akademi Laut Malaysia for their professional roles. Future research directions are suggested further to explore the long-term impacts of gamification on learning outcomes and to develop best practices for its effective implementation in maritime training programs.