Game on for Climate Action: Big Game Delivers Engaging STEM Learning
: Tramonti, Michela; Dochshanov, Alden Meirzhanovich; Fiadotau, Mikhail; Grönlund, Mikko; Callaghan, Peadar; Ailincai, Alina; Marini, Barbara; Joenvaara, Sari; Maurer, Liina; Delle Donne, Elisabetta
Publisher: MDPI
: BASEL
: 2024
: Education Sciences
: EDUCATION SCIENCES
: EDUC SCI
: 893
: 14
: 8
: 26
: 2227-7102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14080893
: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14080893
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457821925
A decline in European students' interest in STEM subjects, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption of education, has raised concerns about the continent's future workforce. To address this challenge, this study investigates the efficacy of the BIG GAME project methodology, a cooperative story-driven digital game approach designed to engage secondary students in collaborative environmental problem-solving. Implemented across Romania, Italy, Estonia, and Finland, this six-month study employed a mixed-methods design involving 62 teachers and 239 students in ten distinct game missions focused on environmental challenges. The quantitative results indicated significant improvements in students' transversal skills (teamwork, communication, and critical thinking), as reported by over 75% of teachers. The qualitative data emphasised the value of structured peer review in developing students' reflective practices. This research underscores the importance of teacher facilitation in game-based learning and problem-based simulations and highlights the potential of such methodologies to boost student engagement and environmental awareness. These findings suggest that the BIG GAME project approach could be a valuable tool for revitalising STEM education and cultivating future-ready citizens.
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This research was co-financed by the European Commission: THE BIG_GAME project ref. code 2021-1-FI01-KA220-SCH-000024098. This document reflects only the authors’ view and that the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.
