The Impact of Serious Games on Learning in Primary Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

In recent years, serious games have gained greater relevance in the educational field due to their usefulness in the intellectual development of students. With this objective in mind, we conducted a systematic literature review on serious games in the learning of primary-school students to reveal the advantages and the disadvantages, as well as the effects of educational game strategies and in the application areas, when using the PRISMA methodology to analyse the academic progress during the last 10 years. We conducted the search, selection and analysis in different databases, such as SCOPUS, ERIC and Dimensions, and analysed 54 studies. The results showed that serious games have a positive impact on cognition; and they generate significant learning achievements. Likewise, the game-based learning strategy concentrates a high level of motivation, generated by the interest, commitment and fun to solve the activities. However, it was also noted that the competition among students to reach the highest competencies can increase the level of anxiety. In addition, inadequate methodology and teacher unfamiliarity can cause negative effects, such as apathy towards serious games. Regarding the intervention areas, a greater application was observed in mathematics, the social sciences, communication and natural sciences. On the other hand, mathematical and communicative skills are the most addressed topics.

Serious educational games for children: A comprehensive framework

“…Using SGs has gained popularity in education and training topics because of three main needs: a new paradigm for learning, innovative interactive technologies to engage learners in problem-solving and capture their attention, and involving them in the curricular content [ 4 , 5 ]. The several advantages of SGs for instructional purposes, such as enhancing the engagement and motivation of the players, achieving optimal attention, improving learners' skills in an enjoyable way, providing an interactive environment, giving quick feedback and progress records, and affording teamwork among learners, led to their popularity in the educational fields [ [6] , [7] , [8] ]. Accordingly, many studies have been conducted to show the positive effect of SGs on education and learning [ [9] , [10] , [11] ].…”

Exploring the efficacy of game-based learning models in enhancing children's gross motor skills

“…Learning models have different characteristics, undoubtedly affecting each model's advantages and disadvantages (Anggraini et al, 2021). The advantage of GBL is that it makes learning more fun and motivates students to increase their concentration (Hafeez, 2021), besides memory, socio-emotional skills, simulation, and skill achievement can trigger children's interest in learning (Lopez et al, 2023). However, GBL also has disadvantages.…”