The effect of gaming approach on learning in basic microbiology education: A pilot study

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Objectives: This study investigated the effect of using games instead of classroom-lectures on learning in a microbiology course and assessed the learning outcomes and the retention of knowledge, as well as analyzed students’ perceptions of their learning. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 19 first year students of the Ankara University, Vocational School of Health, Division of Medical Laboratory Techniques. The students were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was given a lecture, and the study group was asked to construct either a gram-positive or a gram-negative bacterium by using stationary items and colored images of bacteria. Each group was evaluated by pre-, post- and retention-tests. The retention test was given two months later. Additionally, students filled a questionnaire. Kruskal Wallis H, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: The groups did not differ in terms of the means of post-test, and retention test scores, although both groups’ scores significantly improved after the lesson. When the questionnaires were compared, the study group gave significantly higher scores on topics about the effect of teaching method on learning and the learning process. Conclusion: As the gaming approach was regarded as more motivating, positively reinforcing and dynamic, well-constructed educational games can be used in small groups to enrich microbiology education.

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Microbiology , Education , Game

Marmara Medical Journal

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Marmara Medical Journal