A formative assessment-based digital game for searching algorithm learning : finding defender game

Abstract

To entire a challenge for developing digital game with sound of pedagogy, this study developed a Finding Defender Game for asking students to experience searching algorithm, which is one important topic of computer science discipline. The developed game was also grounded by a formative assessment approach. The examination involves two groups of 56 university students. The experimental group received the proposed game with the integration of the formative assessment approach. While, the control group also received the proposed game without the formative assessment approach. Both groups were investigated in terms of learning achievement, learning motivation, and the correlations between the variables. The pre- and post-tests were implemented to examine their learning achievement of searching algorithm, while a motivation questionnaire was used for checking their learning motivation after learning activities. The study shows that both groups improved their learning achievement and the experiment group was significantly higher than the control group on the post-test scores. There was no significant difference between both groups learning motivation likewise no significant correlation between it and the learning achievement in each group.