Principles for Designing an Online Grammar Game: A Fuzzy Delphi Validation of Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive Tasks
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v11i35.7626Keywords:
Fuzzy Delphi, Grammar Learning, Theory of VariationAbstract
The study examines how the Theory of Variation can guide the design of online grammar questions for teaching the Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive tenses. It shows how variation patterns can help learners notice the differences between the two forms. To assess the applicability of these principles, the study employed the Fuzzy Delphi Method with five experts. They rated each element, and the results showed strong agreement. The findings support the design of grammar tasks that are clear and grounded in theory, and the same method could be applied to other tense–aspect modules in future studies.
References
Abdalhay, H. (2024). Examining Iranian EFL students’ correct use of tense: Connecting the past to the present. Pedagogy: Journal of English Language Teaching, 12(2), 178–194. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32332/joelt.v12i2.9537
Abdul Ghani, R., Tengku Paris, T. N., Ahamad Shah, M. I., Yussof, L., & Abas, H. (2017). Mobile assisted language learning (MALL) in developing second language learners’ understanding of grammar tenses and aspects. Journal of Academia, 5(1), 187–208
Adler, M., & Ziglio, E. (1996). Gazing into the oracle: The Delphi method and its application to social policy and public health. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Alnujaidi, A., & Assalahi, H. (2023). Language teachers’ beliefs about teaching the Present Perfect tense. Journal of Education and Learning, 12(2), 88–99. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v12n2p88 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v12n2p88
Chen, P.-T., Hsu, A.-P., & Chang, C.-H. (2011). The influence of rating scale length on decision-making: A fuzzy approach. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(6), 7487–7492. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2010.09.047
Chen, R. (2022). Chinese learners’ acquisition of the present perfect progressive: A corpus-based study. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 32(4), 112–130.
Gabriele, A., & Martohardjono, G. (2022). Second language acquisition of aspect: Difficulties with progressive forms. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 44(2), 345–366.
Ganapathy, M., Shuib, M., & Azizan, S. N. (2016). Malaysian ESL learners’ challenges in grammar learning: A needs analysis. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 24(1), 151–164.
Hasson, F., Keeney, S., & McKenna, H. (2000). Research guidelines for the Delphi survey technique. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(4), 1008–1015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2000.t01-1-01567.x
Hsieh, H.-N., Lu, M.-T., & Tzeng, G.-H. (2004). Fuzzy MCDM approach for evaluating freight transportation services. Transportation Planning and Technology, 27(5), 373–396.
Jubran, S., & Khrais, S. (2023). The dilemma of utilising the Present Perfect tense in English writing by Arab English learners. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 14(5), 1430–1437. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1405.32 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1405.32
Kaynak, E., & Macaulay, J. (1984). The Delphi method in marketing research. Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 2(1), 3–13.
Maisari, L., & Prichatin. (2023). Challenges encountered by ninth-grade students in learning the present perfect tense. Lexeme: Journal of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, 5(1) DOI: https://doi.org/10.32493/ljlal.v6i2.42355
Marton, F., & Booth, S. (1997). Learning and awareness. Lawrence Erlbaum.
Marton, F., & Tsui, A. B. M. (Eds.). (2004). Classroom discourse and the space of learning. Lawrence Erlbaum. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410609762
Ministry of Education Malaysia. (2015). English language curriculum framework. Ministry of Education Malaysia.
Mullen, P. M. (2003). Delphi: Myths and reality. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 17(1), 37–52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/14777260310469319
Mustapha, R., & Darusalam, G. (2017). Fuzzy Delphi in educational research: Theory and applications. Malaysian Journal of Research, 3(2), 45–60.
Nassaji, H. (2021). The role of grammar instruction in second language learning. Language Teaching Research, 25(3), 389–402. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211019599
Newbery‑Payton, L., & Mochizuki, K. (2020). L1 influence on use of tense/aspect by Chinese and Japanese learners of English. Learner Corpus Studies in Asia and the World, 4, 67–93.
Nikolopoulos, K. (2004). Expert knowledge and forecasting. International Journal of Forecasting, 20(1), 15–21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijforecast.2003.11.008
Okoli, C., & Pawlowski, S. D. (2004). The Delphi method as a research tool: An example, design considerations and applications. Information & Management, 42(1), 15–29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2003.11.002
Perera, B., Drew, D., & Johnson, L. (2012). Expert selection and Delphi processes in construction management. Construction Management and Economics, 30(3), 197–210.
Perez-Guerra, J., & Smirnova, E. (2024). L1 influence on the use of the English Present Perfect… Journal of Language and Education, 10(1), 101–114. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2024.16720 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2024.16720
Ridhuan, F., Mohd, A., & Abdul Kadir, R. (2014). Applying fuzzy Delphi in educational research. International Journal of Social Science Research, 6(2), 25–35.
Römer, U. (2020). Tense and aspect in learner corpora: Understanding progressive forms. Corpus Linguistics and Linguistic Theory, 16(2), 325–352.
Skulmowski, A., Hartmann, M., & Krahn, J. (2007). Developing educational instruments through expert consensus. Educational Research Review, 2(4), 208–223.
Tang, Y.-C., & Wu, C.-T. (2010). Determining fuzzy alpha cut levels in consensus studies. Expert Systems with Applications, 37(12), 8209–8215.
Tengku Paris, T.N.S. & Abdul Kadir, M. (2018). Digital grammar games for ESL learners: A classroom study. Malaysian Journal of ELT Research, 14(2), 55–72.
Thomaidis, N. S., Nikitakos, N., & Dounias, G. D. (2006). The evaluation of information technology projects: A fuzzy multicriteria decision-making approach. International Journal of Information Technology and Decision Making. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219622006001897. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219622006001897
Tong, S. Y. A. (2011). Learning English tenses through the theory of variation. The Journal of Asia TEFL, 8(2), 145-167.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 TENGKU NAZATUL SHIMA TENGKU PARIS

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.