Reflection as a Function of Goals: Adolescents and Performance During Game-Based Learning With Crystal Island

• In Event: Supportive Components of Game-Based Learning

Abstract

Game-based learning environments (GBLEs) are built to foster effective problem solving; yet, most GBLEs fail scaffold reflective thinking--a critical element of problem solving. Used the model of reflection to explain reflection, we examined the effectiveness of reflection prompts on adolescents’ problem solving and learning that varied by goals within Crystal Island, a GBLE. Results suggested total reflections predicted the likelihood a learner solved the problem, but not the time reflecting. We also did not find relationships between reflection and learning, or successful problem solving and learning. Our findings highlight how necessary it is to assess the quality of reflection and the objectives of a learning environment to provide insight into what, when, and how reflection should be scaffolded with GBLEs.

Authors

• Elizabeth Brooke Cloude, University of Central Florida

• Roger Azevedo, University of Central Florida

• James Lester, North Carolina State University