Implementing Learning by Teaching Within a Narrative Educational Game

• In Event: 32.084 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 32.084-2 - Emerging Technology Environments for Learning

Abstract

This project evaluated the effectiveness of a narrative educational math game that incorporates learning by teaching to improve comprehension of middle school math concepts. In the game, students teach a computer-based avatar as they navigate through a virtual world. Fifty-eight middle school students either played the game for 10 hours in place of their typical instruction (game group), or they received their typical instruction without playing the game (control group). Outcome measures included retention and transfer tests, and students’ beliefs towards math. Results indicated no significant effects of playing the game on learning outcomes or motivational variables; however, observational data suggest this may be because students spent much of their time engaged in activities unrelated to learning by teaching.

Author

• Logan Fiorella, University of Georgia