Short answer
When designing serious games for educational purposes, explicitly define the learning objectives and then select or craft game mechanics that directly support the achievement of those objectives.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- British Journal of Educational Technology (2016)
- Method
- Systematic literature review and synthesis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Effectively designing serious games for higher education requires a systematic approach to linking specific game mechanics with desired learning attributes. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in British Journal of Educational Technology. Using Systematic literature review and synthesis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing serious games for educational purposes, explicitly define the learning objectives and then select or craft game mechanics that directly support the achievement of those objectives.
Mapping Game Mechanics to Learning Outcomes Enhances Serious Game Design in Higher Education
Effectively designing serious games for higher education requires a systematic approach to linking specific game mechanics with desired learning attributes.
British Journal of Educational Technology · 2016
Key Findings
- 01A classification system linking learning attributes to game mechanics can effectively scaffold educators' understanding of serious game design.
- 02This linkage is crucial for perpetuating learning and enhancing the in-game learning experience.
- 03Methodological limitations in current research need to be addressed for future advancements.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing serious games for educational purposes, explicitly define the learning objectives and then select or craft game mechanics that directly support the achievement of those objectives.
How to apply
Create a matrix or flowchart that maps desired learning attributes (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration) to specific game mechanics (e.g., challenges, leaderboards, team-based quests) during the initial design phase of an educational game.
Project actions
- 01Clearly define the learning goals for your design project before you start designing the game.
- 02Research existing game mechanics and consider how they could be adapted to teach specific concepts.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a structured approach to serious game design.
- +Synthesizes evidence from multiple disciplines.
Limitations
It can be challenging to empirically measure the direct impact of specific game mechanics on learning outcomes, and the effectiveness may vary across different student groups.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings depends on the consistency of the literature reviewed. Validity is enhanced by the synthesis of evidence from multiple sources, but the direct causal link between mechanics and learning may require more empirical validation.
Think critically
To what extent can game mechanics truly drive learning, or are they primarily tools for engagement that indirectly support learning?
Design Principles
"Pedagogical-mechanic alignment: Ensure that game mechanics are chosen or developed to directly facilitate specific learning outcomes."
This approach moves beyond simply creating engaging games to ensuring pedagogical effectiveness. By understanding these links, educators and designers can create more targeted and impactful learning experiences, optimizing the integration of games into curricula.
What This Means for Your Design
When making educational games, think about what you want students to learn and then pick game features that help them learn that specific thing.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the concept of mapping learning attributes to game mechanics to justify your design choices and demonstrate the pedagogical intent behind your game features.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The design of this educational game is informed by the principle of pedagogical-mechanic alignment, where specific game mechanics have been deliberately selected to foster particular learning attributes. For instance, the inclusion of [specific game mechanic] is intended to enhance [specific learning attribute], as supported by research indicating that such mechanics can effectively scaffold [learning outcome].
Source
British Journal of Educational Technology
Essential features of serious games design in higher education: Linking learning attributes to game mechanics
journal · 2016
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about mapping game mechanics to learning outcomes enhances serious game design in higher education?
- When designing serious games for educational purposes, explicitly define the learning objectives and then select or craft game mechanics that directly support the achievement of those objectives. Evidence: British Journal of Educational Technology (2016).
- Why does "Mapping Game Mechanics to Learning Outcomes Enhances Serious Game Design in Higher Education" matter for design?
- This approach moves beyond simply creating engaging games to ensuring pedagogical effectiveness. By understanding these links, educators and designers can create more targeted and impactful learning experiences, optimizing the integration of games into curricula.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing serious games for educational purposes, explicitly define the learning objectives and then select or craft game mechanics that directly support the achievement of those objectives.
- What were the main findings?
- A classification system linking learning attributes to game mechanics can effectively scaffold educators' understanding of serious game design.. This linkage is crucial for perpetuating learning and enhancing the in-game learning experience.. Methodological limitations in current research need to be addressed for future advancements.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic literature review and synthesis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2016 journal from British Journal of Educational Technology.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Create a matrix or flowchart that maps desired learning attributes (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration) to specific game mechanics (e.g., challenges, leaderboards, team-based quests) during the initial design phase of an educational game.
- What are the limitations?
- The review identified methodological limitations in existing research, suggesting a need for more robust empirical studies to validate the proposed linkages.