Using Analogy Mapping to Teach Electricity With a Digital Game

• In Event: Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: Technology-Based Learning Environments for STEM Education

Abstract

Digital games have been touted as a way to cultivate student engagement in learning. But beyond engagement, how can digital games develop and support students’ conceptual learning and understanding of abstract science concepts? This pilot study described in this paper examined whether a digital game used in conjunction with explicit analogical mapping techniques that have been shown to be effective in math instruction could help students understand challenging concepts related to electricity and energy transfer. The findings indicate that this technique shows promise for improving student outcomes, but requires significant instructional support.

Authors

• Wendy B. Martin, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Megan Silander

• Katherine E. Culp, Education Development Center, Inc.