Game-based learning: Brincando e aprendendo conceitos de evolução com o game SPORE

Abstract

Due to the numerous obstacles in the teaching of biological evolution and the inefficiency of traditional methods of learning for a generation that lives in a society where the flow of information is frantic and steady, because of digital technologies, there are large and intense challenges for teachers who They need to learn to use existing resources and enter new methodological practices to motivate students in their classes. Among these practices, we can highlight the game-based learning and gamification as efficient alternatives to solve this problem because the games are digital resources that can stimulate learning because of the obvious preference of students for existing interactivity and the dynamic these artifacts in relation to unilateral learning methods practiced in some schools. From this perspective, this research aimed to evaluate the use of SPORE, a commercial game, as a facilitator in introducing the concepts of evolution to students in the eighth grade of elementary school. The research was conducted in three schools from rural and urban zone of the cities of Campina Grande, Alcantil and district of Lagoa do Juca. To achieve the objectives of this research, it was divided into five stages: literary research, game analysis, application of the methodology in the classroom, intervention with teachers through a short course, production of a digital manual and data analysis. The analysis of the data made it clear that this game, despite its flaws, can serve as a tool to stimulate the learning of students and to promote interest in science, assisting in the introduction and discussion of biological evolution with elementary school students. However, signaled that although it has the potential to stimulate learning, teachers need, first, master the content, have ability to use digital resources and evaluate the resource previously before introducing it into the classroom. The research also showed that there are many factors that affect education in our country and not only with the implementation of digital resources such as games, that problems will be solved. Considering the analysis here woven, we hope that this research can contribute in some way to the SPORE and other games are used in the educational context.