Alex Luciano currently lives on Long Island and has been in education since graduating in 2002. In 2002, he started to work as an English teacher for a Japanese company. After 2 years of teaching in Japan, Alex came back to the states. Alex currently teaches bilingual 2nd grade at Mulvey Elementary School.

Teacher headshot and kahoot quiz question screenshot, "which is a compound word"?

As an educator with over two decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of teaching a diverse range of students—from young bilingual learners in elementary school to adults striving to improve their English proficiency. No matter the age group, one constant remains: engagement is key to successful learning. That’s where Kahoot! has been a game-changer in my classroom, particularly for my adult English Language Learners (ELLs).

Bringing energy and excitement to Adult Education

In my evening adult education classes, Kahoot! has become an essential tool for reinforcing lessons, assessing comprehension, and, most importantly, keeping my students motivated. My students genuinely love Kahoot! They ask for it all the time! Just last night, they specifically requested a game based on what we had learned that week, (National holidays, milestones and celebrations). Their enthusiasm for the platform speaks volumes about how well it engages learners of all ages.

Teaching English to ELL adults requires careful differentiation based on their language acquisition level. I primarily teach high-beginner students. To support their learning, I integrate Kahoot! quizzes that align with the topics, grammar, and skills introduced in our curriculum. This approach allows my students to review content in an interactive, low-stress format, which boosts their confidence and retention.

A versatile tool for various learning goals

Kahoot! serves multiple functions in my classroom:

  • Introducing concepts: At the beginning of a unit, I use Kahoot! to gauge my students’ prior knowledge. This helps me tailor my instruction to their needs.
  • Reinforcing lessons: After covering grammar structures, vocabulary, or conversation skills, I either use, modify or create Kahoot! games that challenge students to apply what they’ve learned.
  • Building classroom community: Learning a new language as an adult can be intimidating, but Kahoot! fosters a sense of camaraderie. It turns review sessions into fun, collaborative experiences rather than high-pressure assessments. The laughter between us says it all. 
  • Adapting for different learning paces: Since my students have varying levels of English proficiency, I utilize Kahoot!’s different game modes to allow them to work at their own pace or in teams, ensuring no one feels left behind.

Celebrating cultural diversity in the classroom

One of the most enriching aspects of teaching adult ELLs is the cultural diversity of my students. My classroom is a vibrant mix of learners from Haiti, Turkey, and Spanish-speaking countries across Central and South America. Kahoot! provides an excellent platform to incorporate culturally relevant content and celebrate this diversity. I often include questions that relate to my students’ backgrounds, traditions, and everyday experiences, making the learning process even more meaningful and engaging.

Extending engagement beyond Adult Education

My experience using Kahoot! isn’t limited to my adult learners—I also incorporate it into my bilingual second-grade classroom and after-school programs. My younger students love using Kahoot! to explore concepts like landforms, while my after-school ELL students benefit from its interactive nature when reviewing key academic skills for assessments like the NYSELAT.

Across all these settings, Kahoot! has proven itself as an invaluable resource for engaging students, reinforcing learning, and fostering participation in ways that traditional review methods simply cannot match!

The power of EdTech in language learning

Kahoot! has made it incredibly easy to search for relevant educational content and integrate technology into my lessons without extra hassle. Its ability to make learning fun and interactive while reinforcing key skills has transformed the way I teach English to my adult learners. It’s a perfect example of how educational technology can bridge gaps, support diverse learning needs, and bring joy to the classroom—no matter the students’ age.

For educators looking to add a spark to their classes, I highly recommend exploring Kahoot! as a dynamic, engaging tool that makes language learning more effective and enjoyable.