What does independent research say about Wordwall?
Wordwall is an online tool that teachers use to create interactive classroom activities: quizzes, matching games, and word searches. They share them with students in minutes.
Every study on this page was conducted independently. We didn't commission or fund any of them. Researchers across more than a dozen countries have tested Wordwall in real classrooms, measuring vocabulary retention, learning outcomes, and student engagement at every level from primary school through university. This page makes that research readable and searchable in one place.
What the research covers
The studies on this page focus on three primary areas: vocabulary learning, student motivation and engagement, and overall learning outcomes. Most were conducted in EFL (English as a foreign language) and ESL (English as a second language) contexts, with researchers testing Wordwall's effect on students acquiring English as an additional language.
Subject areas covered
- English vocabulary, reading, writing, and speaking. The most studied application, with research from Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Ukraine, and Ecuador
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Arabic vocabulary, with studies from Indonesia and the Middle East
- Mathematics, with research on engagement and outcomes at primary level
- Science, with studies measuring student interest and motivation in primary classrooms
- Social studies and civic education, with studies at elementary and junior high school level
Age groups
The research spans kindergarten through university. The largest cluster of studies focuses on primary school and junior high school students, roughly ages 9 to 15. Several studies cover senior high school and undergraduate settings.
Learning outcomes measured
Research links
Gamification-Based Learning Design with Wordwall to Improve Learning Activities and Learning Outcomes
Pre-experimental study of junior high school students (ages 12-15) using Wordwall-assisted gamification. Average test scores rose from 31.5 to 80.3, with student activity rated very high and learning gains classified as high.
EFL students' perspectives on the use of Wordwall.net as vocabulary learning media
Survey of 29 Indonesian 8th-grade students (ages 13-14) on using Wordwall for English vocabulary learning. Students perceived it as exciting, interesting, motivating and fun, and reported paying more attention in class.
ANALISIS PENGGUNAAN APLIKASI WORDWALL PADA PEMBELAJARAN IPA KELAS IV DI SDN CIRACAS 05 PAGI
Qualitative study of Year 4 science students (ages 9-10) in Indonesia. Researchers found Wordwall is easy to use and can increase student interest and motivation in learning science.
The Effects of WordWall Online Games (WOW) on English Language Vocabulary Learning Among Year 5 Pupils
Study of Year 5 ESL pupils (ages 10-11) at a Malaysian primary school using Wordwall as supplementary vocabulary material. Paired t-tests showed improvement in vocabulary scores, with a large effect size.
All independent research on Wordwall
How Wordwall works in the classroom
A teacher picks a template from Wordwall's library, choosing from quizzes, matching activities, word searches, and more, and creates an activity in minutes.
Students play the activity, either on shared classroom screens or on their own devices. The game format reduces test anxiety and increases repeat attempts.
The activity flags correct and incorrect answers in real time. Students see their score, try again, and improve as they go.
The teacher reviews results after the session to see which concepts students missed and adjusts the next lesson accordingly.
Repeated low-stakes exposure to the same material strengthens recall. Multiple studies show measurable gains in vocabulary retention and test scores after consistent use over several weeks.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Does Wordwall actually improve student learning outcomes?
Yes, across multiple independent studies.
A 2025 study by Panis et al., indexed in Scopus and published in the Journal of Education Technology, found that gamification-based learning design using Wordwall significantly improved both learning outcomes and classroom engagement.
A 2021 study by Hasram et al., published in Theory and Practice in Language Studies (Scopus Q2, 65 academic citations), found meaningful vocabulary score improvements among Year 5 students compared to a control group.
These studies were conducted independently and without involvement from Wordwall.
Is Wordwall effective for vocabulary learning?
Yes. Vocabulary learning is the most researched application of Wordwall, and the results are consistent. Studies from Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Ecuador all show gains in vocabulary retention and mastery for EFL and ESL students.
A 2023 study by Nabila et al., one of the few randomized controlled trials in the literature, found that Wordwall combined with a structured instructional method improved vocabulary scores and class participation rates among 5th grade students. The study was published in Kordinat, a peer-reviewed journal indexed in Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).
Is Wordwall effective for EFL and ESL learners?
The majority of Wordwall research has been conducted in EFL and ESL classrooms. Across settings in Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Ecuador, and Ukraine, studies consistently show improvements in vocabulary acquisition, engagement, and motivation for students learning English as an additional language.
Learner autonomy is also an emerging finding: a 2025 study by Nguyen, published in the AsiaCALL Online Journal (indexed in DOAJ), found that Wordwall encouraged university EFL students to take more responsibility for their own learning.
What age groups does the research cover?
The studies on this page span kindergarten through university. The largest cluster focuses on primary and junior high school students, roughly ages 9 to 15. Research on kindergarten students covers reading skills and early literacy. Studies at senior high school and undergraduate level tend to focus on vocabulary retention, speaking skills, and learner autonomy.
Are the studies on this page peer-reviewed?
Yes. We selected studies published in peer-reviewed academic journals. Several appear in journals indexed in Scopus, one of the most widely used academic indexing systems. Others are published in DOAJ-listed journals, which require a documented peer-review process for inclusion. The journal name and indexing status are listed alongside each study so you can assess the evidence for yourself.
Did Wordwall commission or fund any of these studies?
No. Every study on this page was designed, conducted, and published by independent academic researchers. We had no involvement in their funding, methodology, or findings.
How do I get started with Wordwall?
It's free to use. Teachers create an account, pick a template, enter their content, and share the activity with students via link or QR code. No app required for students. Free accounts include 12 activity templates.
