ENGAGE: A Game Based Learning and Problem Solving Framework
Abstract
The early results of the Algebra Challenge (detailed in the previous report) showed that mastery of linear equation solving can be reached in just 1.5 hours of play. More importantly, that mastery is not reached by a select few, but by the nearly the whole classroom. The average mastery rate for all grades was 92.9% after 1.5 hours. This is especially surprising since many of the participants were in elementary school, where algebra is usually not considered (it is commonly a milestone for 7th and 8th graders). We believe the adaptive nature of the game was instrumental in achieving these results. Only a tiny percentage of students finished the game without requiring at least some remediation. Some grades required significantly more effort and review than others. The game was able to adapt in real-time to each student in order to maximize the likelihood of mastery. As a result, some students played almost 10 times more levels than others. The engagement structures of the game ensured that they persisted through this challenge. We continued to improve our games and game-based learning tools over the summer quarter. We implemented a revamped interface for the Teacher portal to improve ease of use for teachers to enter and manage on student accounts. We also worked with a group of math teachers to create specific lesson units that use the games as a teaching tool and which can be integrated into a standard math curriculum. Our plan is to begin trials with those units next year. All of the games are now running on iPad and Android platforms and suitable for play on tablets, so some of the trials may take place using the teacher tablet system that is currently being co-developed with Engaged Learning.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA586564
Entities
People
- Zoran Popovic
Organizations
- University of Washington