A MUVE towards PBL Writing: Effects of a Digital Learning Environment Designed to Improve Elementary Student Writing

Y

28

Problem Based Learning; Educational Environment; Teaching Methods; Elementary School Students; Educational Technology; Writing Instruction; Writing Achievement; Standardized Tests; Writing Tests; Instructional Effectiveness; Motivation Techniques; Student Motivation; Instructional Design; Learning Theories; Coaching (Performance); Educational Games; Video Games; Computer Simulation; Grade 4

1539-1523

Two major obstacles to using problem-based learning methods with writing in elementary school classrooms are the time it takes to design the learning environment and the time required for students to interact at their own pace with ill-structured problems used to spur student writing. This study examined whether game elements could be used along with Problem Based Learning (PBL) in a digital learning environment to improve student writing. Results from this study included statistically significant decreases in teacher time spent answering procedural and directional questions, increased voluntary student writing, and improved standardized achievement scores on writing tasks. (Contains 2 figures and 4 tables.)

As Provided

62

2008

EJ810577