Dissertation: Digital learning materials must also be designed for adult second language and literacy learners (Malessa)
Adult migrants who are learning literacy skills in their second language are also referred to as LESLLA (Literacy Education and Second Language Learning for Adults) learners. As LESLLA learners have limited second language skills, they face significant challenges in learning literacy and oral language skills at the same time. Technology-mediated teaching and training could support these learning processes, but current digital learning environments are not sufficiently target group-centered. Malessa explored how digital learning materials can be developed in collaboration with and for LESLLA stakeholders.
The study tested the suitability of the Lukukupla game app, a learning game originally designed for children, for adult LESLLA learners. Adult literacy teachers tested the game with their personal mobile devices and provided feedback on its further development needs. At the same time, barriers to accessibility and usability were identified and the teachers provided suggestions how to redesign the game app for LESLLA learners.
Visuals in educational games influence learner engagement
Teachers stressed the importance of customisation for the intended learner group and emphasized the importance of considering trauma sensitivity, reading comprehension, and vocabulary training when designing digital learning games for LESLLA learners. The language of the game, which was designed for first language speakers of Finnish, was perceived as too difficult for LESLLA learners and thus seen as a significant barrier to learning. In addition, teachers stressed the importance of familiar and relevant topics for adults in game content.
"One unexpected finding was how strongly the visual features of the game environment were considered to hinder or enhance the game experience and user engagement in the training", Malessa comments.
The results show that the design of digital learning environments for LESLLA learners must also note the target users' potential motor skill and vision issues.
Malessa’s doctoral thesis provides recommendations for the development of digital learning environments and games for adult LESLLA learners. The results of the research can be used to modify the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥'s research-only learning game Lukukupla.
"This learning game, originally developed for children,could in the future also be beneficially used in adult immigrant education, supporting and enhancing the efficient and meaningful practice of literacy skill training in Finnish", Malessa suggests.
The Public Examination of the Dissertation
MA, FM Eva Malessa's dissertation Access to (M)ALL: Redesigning a literacy support serious game app in a participatory design approach with Finnish language and literacy teachers of adult migrants with limited/interrupted formal education will be publically examined on Saturday 5.4.2025 from 12 noon at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ in Agora auditorium 2 on Mattilanniemi campus.
The opponent in the public examination will be University Lecturer, Associate Professor Linda Bradley (University of Gothenburg) and the custos will be University Lecturer Mari Honko (Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥).
The language of the dissertation will be English.
The event will be streamed live online at: . Any critical comments can be sent to the custos (+358408053165).
The dissertation is available at
The research was funded by the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and the Emil Aaltonen Foundation.
Eva Malessa has been involved in LESLLA research for the last decade and specialises in technology-mediated learning and teaching. She is currently working as a project researcher at the University of Turku, studying the implementation of sustainable development goals in language teaching and learning in the SustainLANG project. Malessa also has eextensive experience as a language teacher in Finland and the UK.
Eva Malessa
