Computer Quiz Games in General Chemistry for Engineering Majors in an English as a Second Language Environment

Abstract

Computer quiz games are introduced to improve teaching and learning in a freshman engineering chemistry course in an English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) environment. These quiz games are developed and implemented as a supplemental and augmentative tool to enhance traditionally delivered lectures. The paper shows an increase in students’ motivation and compare the performance between students who participated in computer quiz games, a paper-based quiz or neither activity. Assessment of the effectiveness of quiz games in learning is conducted via a proposed novel chemistry achievement test, Freshman Engineering Chemistry Aptitude Test and an attitude questionnaire. The findings contribute to our understanding of the role of game-based learning in students’ achievement in chemistry and their motivation and attitudes towards learning general chemistry at a university within an ESL environment, while the computer games developed are useful in all English based Chemistry classes.