EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT THROUGH BOARD GAME

Abstract

Several research has drawn attention to the need of creating an active learning environment for university students, prioritising curricula that respond to the challenges of today's society and skills. Traditional learning theory focuses on the cognitive dimension and does not take into account the emotional and social dimension of learning, which makes students more active. Game-based learning helps to deepen knowledge, develop skills and increase motivation. The effectiveness of board games shows a better and longer-term effect compared to many other traditional educational methods. We have developed an analog board game that aims to increase players' knowledge. Our research question is: How does the board game we developed contribute to increasing students' knowledge about parental involvement? The board game is primarily recommended for teacher candidates. After testing the board game, students completed a questionnaire in which they evaluated the game mechanics and identified the information that was perceived as new during the game (n=85). The players particularly appreciated the co-operative nature of the board game and the characters. The majority of respondents thought that the quiz questions and action cards provided a lot of useful knowledge and that the board game offered a good opportunity to discuss the topic.