Content integration as a factor in math-game effectiveness

In this study we focus on the integration of mathematical learning content (i.e. proportional reasoning) in a GBLE. More specific two kinds of GBLEs are set up; an extrinsically integrated GBLE and an intrinsically integrated GBLE. In the former environment, the mathematical content is not part of the core mechanics and structure of the gaming world. In the latter environment, the mathematical content is delivered through the parts of the game that are the most fun to play and embodied within the structure of the gaming world and the players interactions with it. Fifty-eight vocational track students participated in the study, all working in one of the two versions of the self-developed game-based learning environment ‘Zeldenrust’. The results of this study provide evidence for the effect of this different way of implementing learning content in an educational math game. More specific, students playing in an extrinsically integrated game show higher learning gains, motivational gains and perceived usefulness than students who played with a game in which the content was intrinsically integrated