LITERATURE REVIEW FOR SNAKES AND LADDERS

According the Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics (Richard et al 1992) language games are defined as organized activities with the following elements:
a) a set of rules
b) certain objectives
c) competition between players
d) communication between players by spoken or written language
One example of language games is Snakes and Ladders which is based on a few language learning theories.

One of the theory is Collaborative Learning. Based on this theory, learning is regarded as a naturally social act whereby students interact with each other and from the interaction learning will take place (Gerlach 1994). This is evident in Snakes and Ladders whereby students are constantly interacting with their group members when they identify and spell out the singular or plural nouns. From the interaction they will then learn the singular and plural nouns.

Besides that, this game is also based on the Silent Way theory. The main aim of this theory is for the students to use the language for self-expression (Gattegno 1972). In order for that to happen, students need to be independent and develop learning themselves. This game provides students with the opportunity to do so. At first the teacher sets up a situation that focuses the students' attention on the singular and plural nouns. After that, the teacher remains silent throughout the game encouraging the students to explore the language and to develop their own criteria for correctness. The students are also encouraged to self-correct because based on the Silent Way theory, learning will not take place if the teacher always provides the correct answer without giving a chance for the students to discover the errors and to correct the errors themselves.

This game is also based on peer correction or peer assessment. Each member of a group have a chance to decide on what is the correct answer whenever a student identify and spell out the singular or plural nouns. This form of peer correction or peer assessment can be very beneficial to promote the learning of the singular and plural nouns beacuse it can increase the students awareness about the range of solutions to the problems (Gibbs et al 1986).


References
Gattegno, C. (1972). Teaching Foreign Languages in Schools: The Silent Way. 2d ed. New York: Educational Solutions, Inc

Gibbs et al (1986). 53 Interesting Ways to Assess Your Students. Bistrol, Technical and Educational Services.

Richard et al (1992). Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics. United Kingdom: Longman