Several studies have explored the role of game-based media in elevating motivation, participation, and competitiveness among students. In one previous study, it said game-based media such as Kahoot! and Wordwall made classrooms more engaging. However, it did not mention how the students actually engaged during those game-based media platforms. Therefore, this study is needed to describe students’ engagement with the implementation of Wordwall as a game-based learning medium at SMPN 24 Banjarmasin.

This study was conducted based on themes of behavioral engagement, affective engagement, social engagement, and cognitive engagement. This study was conducted using qualitative descriptive research. The data were collected using observation and interviews. The observation was conducted three times to aim at the students’ behavior engagement, social engagement, and cognitive engagement in general. The interview and the video recording were used to confirm the data collected from the observation. The participants were six students, with two students in each category of highest, middle, and lowest scoring students from the seventh-grade students at SMPN 24 Banjarmasin.

The results found that one student was less engaged in the theme of effort on doing the task because the student occasionally glanced sideways and admitted did not stay focused on the task. Furthermore, one student was not engaged in the theme of cognitive strategies because the student did not have any goals or specific strategies while implementing Wordwall. Meanwhile, in the theme of the instructor comforting students and competition, all participants were highly engaged. In the theme of the instructor comforting students, they mentioned that the teacher made them comfortable and supported them in the class. In the theme of competition, they mentioned that they liked competing because they wanted to win and be recognized.  Future researchers are suggested to conduct further in-depth studies to understand specific factors influencing students' engagement levels in implementing Wordwall.