Duolingo in University Settings: Fostering English Language Acquisition Among Adult and Senior Learners

Duolingo is a popular language-learning platform that offers a gamified and interactive approach to language acquisition. This case study discusses the use of Duolingo as a tool for teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). Specifically, it describes a 40-hour course held at the University of Genoa, Italy, which relied on Duolingo as the primary teaching approach. The course was delivered to a class of adult and senior learners aged 54 to 83, with a median age of 65. The English proficiency level of the class improved from an initial average of A0 to an average of A1 on the CEFR scale. Moreover, the study found that students experienced increased motivation and engagement, with evidence of successful language acquisition. Additionally, the course established the groundwork for sustained individual language improvement, highlighting the platform's potential for fostering language learning among mature learners. The research underscores the importance of a structured learning framework when using Duolingo for EFL instruction.