Teacher Takeover: How my students changed the way I teach

When Kahoot! stopped being “just a game”

At some point, I realized Kahoot! shouldn’t be an occasional “extra” anymore. I started integrating it systematically into my lessons, especially at the end of each class. Kahoot! became my go-to tool for reviewing key concepts, vocabulary, and grammar points we had just covered.

While I initially started creating Kahoots for my own classes, it quickly sparked something more. Designing quizzes became a creative outlet and naturally extended into my work with Lingually Yours. I began developing themed Kahoots focused on vocabulary and culture (from Christmas specials to pop culture topics), allowing me to explore language learning in a more playful and engaging way, beyond the classroom.

The thread running through my lessons

One of the most interesting effects I observed was how Kahoot! impacted students’ attention during the lesson, not just at the end. Saying things like “Pay attention, this will be in the Kahoot!” instantly raised the level of focus in the room. This regular use helped me structure my lessons differently. Students knew that what we discussed during the class would come back in the Kahoot!, which gave the activity a clear pedagogical purpose rather than being seen as a reward or filler.

Students listened more actively, took notes more carefully, and stayed engaged throughout the class. Kahoot! created anticipation and motivation, turning revision into a moment students genuinely enjoyed rather than feared. Over time, I also noticed increased confidence, especially among students who usually hesitate to speak up. The game-based format makes mistakes feel less intimidating and encourages participation in a low-pressure environment.

A few tips before you click ‘play’

If you’re thinking about using Kahoot! in your own classroom, here are a few tips from my experience:

• Start simple and build gradually (you don’t need perfect kahoots right away!).
  
• Use Kahoot! regularly so students see it as part of the learning process, not just a one-off activity.
  
• Explore different game modes to turn revision into a playful experience rather than a test, keeping students engaged and motivated throughout the activity (my personal favorite is “Treasure trove”!).
  
• For language teachers especially, seasonal Kahoots linked to events (like Thanksgiving, Christmas or Halloween) are a great way to make vocabulary feel timely, relevant and more engaging.

What started as a student suggestion has completely changed the way I approach engagement and revision in my classes. And I haven’t looked back since…and neither have my students!