Assessment in Game-Based Learning

Assessment in game-based learning (GBL) programs can be far superior to your typical weekly multiple-choice test.

Games are all about constant assessment.  Games do not actively “teach” – they don’t say “here is some knowledge for you to remember” – but rather they provide constant challenges and then give you feedback on your decisions, and that is how you learn.

So, in order to better understand how to design effective GBL programs, let’s take a look at some characteristics and considerations of assessment in GBL.

GBL ASSESSMENT CHARACTERISTICS

More formative feedback

“The most valuable assessment for instruction is the continuous, deeply engaged feedback loop of formative assessment” – quote from EdWeek article.

• Games can provide a greater amount and better quality of formative feedback than a traditional classroom. Instead of say, weekly classroom quizzes, games provide constant feedback at the appropriate times in order to keep students in their primary learning zone, thereby leading to better engagement, motivation, and flow.
• Formative assessment in games provide students with a low pressure learning environment that encourages risk-taking and even failing.  In a traditional classroom, formative assessment tends to be a higher pressure event in which students need to get it right the first time.
• The greater amount of formative feedback can allow teachers to provide scaffolding support at the appropriate times.  For example, DimensionU games provides a daily gameplay log that teachers can review to see what type of support to provide to specific students.

Better assessment than traditional methods

• In games, assessment is integrated with the learning instead of being a separate activity (e.g., quiz) after the learning (e.g., lecture).
• Good educational games can assess 21st century skills, such as critical thinking and creativity, in better and more engaging ways than, say, a grade on an essay paper.  For example, in the epistemic game Urban Science, players receive feedback throughout the game on their decisions regarding the urban planning of a city.
• Games can provide more opportunities to assess higher level thinking.  For example, Portal 2 presents a number of (physics-related) challenges that require problem-solving skills and creativity in order to pass on to the next level.

GBL ASSESSMENT CONSIDERATIONS

• How is feedback in the game mapped to the learning objectives?
• In a collaborative game, does the game assess both individual and group achievement?
• In a game-like learning environment, such as in the upcoming 3D GameLab classroom system,  what are the effects on learning assessment?

Learning Objectives –> Assessment Design –> Game Design
In educational game design, you just can’t start designing the gameplay from the get-go.  You need to start with the learning objectives, which means that you have to consider assessment design before jumping into game design (even though the game design is probably more fun!).

So, take some time to understand the various characteristics and differences of GBL assessment, and it will help you to design stronger, more effective GBL programs.

And, please feel free to assess this article in the comments!