Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning Kit in Economics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Game-Based Learning Kit in Economics is an innovative instructional material that provides necessary activities by learning the concepts and familiarization of the graphical illustrations on demand and supply using game-based activities. The researcher being an educator experienced that some learners may get easily bored if the topic being discussed was too serious for them. Economics is one of the areas in social studies and the subject taught by the researcher encountered such a problem. This was the reason why the researcher utilized the game-based learning kit using the authentic and simplified task to improve learning and make it more fun and enjoyable.

METHODS

The study utilized the experimental and descriptive methods of research using the two-group pretest and posttest design. The study was anchored on the Theory of Constructivism by Jerome Bruner and the Theory of Scaffolding by Lev Vygotsky. The instrument of the study was developed game-based learning kit and 40 item pretest and posttest made by the researcher. The subjects of the study were the 40 Grade 9 learners enrolled in sections, Rizal and Bonifacio. 15 of them consist of the experimental group and the other 15 the control group. They were evenly distributed heterogeneously in each section. Grade 9-Bonifacio, the experimental group used the game-based learning kit while Grade 9-Rizal; the control group utilized the traditional method of teaching.

RESULTS

The study found out that the learners who were exposed to the game-based learning kit in Economics performed better than the learners who didn't use it with respect to different lessons. It emphasizes that exposure to the game-based learning kit can be an effective tool in enhancing the skills of the learners. The performance of the experimental group in both lessons was significantly different from the control group. This implies that the use of game-based learning kit can elicit the learner's interest and improve their performance in their studies. Thus, the developed game-based learning kit in Economics is an effective instructional material.

DISCUSSIONS

The results indicate that the utilization of the game-based learning kit in economics is recommended to facilitate the teaching-learning process and to cater to the needs of the learners. Also, teachers must be encouraged to produce instructional materials that will develop the learners critical thinking skills and a follow-up study may be proposed for further development and enrichment of the lesson.