It seems too good to be true. You’ve heard rumors about the exciting new research that’s emerging around the power of games to engage, motivate, and enhance learning outcomes, but surely there’s no single educational technology with all that power, right? Right!?
Gentle reader, we’re here to reassure you.
via Tenor
And here’s the proof! In this research roundup, we’re exploring the latest studies on game-based learning, uncovering how educational games can help students develop crucial skills from early childhood through higher education. Read on and be enlightened!
Manar S. Alotaibi
This comprehensive study examines the effectiveness of game-based learning in early childhood education. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers found that game-based learning has a moderate to large effect on cognitive, social, emotional, motivation, and engagement outcomes for young children.
The study’s findings suggest that game-based learning shows great promise as a tool for promoting children’s learning and development in early childhood settings, positively impacting multiple areas of child development, including cognitive, social, and emotional domains. This research highlights the potential for educators and policymakers to incorporate game-based learning strategies into early childhood curricula. While the results are encouraging, the researchers note that further research is needed to address remaining gaps in the literature. Nonetheless, this study provides a solid foundation for understanding the impact of game-based learning on our youngest learners.
Yanjun Pan, Elizabeth L. Adams, Leanne R. Ketterlin-Geller, Eric C. Larson & Corey Clark
As computational thinking becomes increasingly recognized as an essential skill, educators are seeking effective ways to incorporate it into K-12 curricula. This study investigated how game-based learning influences middle school students’ development of computational thinking competency, self-efficacy, and engagement.
The research revealed that the gaming experience positively influenced students’ computational thinking self-efficacy. Interestingly, the study did not find significant effects on computational thinking competency or game-based engagement. Gender played a more important role than age or prior gaming experience in moderating outcomes. These results suggest that while game-based learning can boost students’ confidence in their computational thinking abilities, more research is needed to understand how to effectively improve actual competency through games.
Christine Jokisch, Maxim Strzebkowski, Haris Kurpejovic, Ricarda Schlimbach, Sebastian Hobert, Matthias Schumann
Programming courses can be challenging for many students, especially those with varying levels of prior knowledge. This study presents “Lost in Code,” an adaptive digital game-based learning system designed to enhance programming skills in introductory computer science courses.
The system adapts to individual student knowledge levels, providing personalized learning experiences. Evaluations showed positive student engagement and learning outcomes. “Lost in Code” demonstrates the potential of game-based learning to address challenges in computer science education. By making learning interactive, engaging, and tailored to individual needs, this study showcases how game-based learning can revolutionize the way we teach complex technical skills like programming.
Muhammad Nadeem, Melinda Oroszlanyova, and Wael Farag
Note: This study was published in late 2023 but provides valuable insights relevant to our 2024 roundup.
Addressing the critical issue of student engagement, this study examines how digital game-based learning affects student engagement and motivation levels in online learning settings, with a focus on gender differences.
The research found that digital game-based learning has a more positive impact on student engagement and motivation compared to traditional online activities. The use of leaderboards as a gaming element positively impacted academic performance for some students but could demotivate others. Interestingly, female students showed slightly higher enjoyment of games compared to male students but were less inclined towards comparison with other students.
As we explore these 2024 studies on game-based learning, it’s clear that this approach continues to show immense promise across various educational contexts. From early childhood education to university-level programming courses, learning games have asserted themselves as powerful tools for enhancing learning, engagement, and motivation.
Are you interested in harnessing the power of game-based learning for your educational institution or project? Our team of experts specializes in creating custom educational games that drive real results. Contact us today to learn how we can help bring your educational vision to life through the power of play!