EVALUATING A GAMIFIED EDUCATIONAL MODULE FOR CELLULAR RESPIRATION: VALIDITY AND EFFECTIVENESS

Abstract

The integration of gamification into educational content has gained considerable attention as a method to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes. This study examines the validity and effectiveness of a gamified educational module designed to teach cellular respiration to 30 Form Four students. The module incorporates dynamic and mechanic elements of gamification in various types of activities to facilitate learning. Validity was assessed through expert reviews. The effectiveness of the module was determined by conducting a single group test- retest. The findings indicate that the module possesses strong content and construct validity, demonstrating its effectiveness in delivering the intended educational outcomes. Moreover, the high effectiveness scores suggest that the module can achieve the learning objectives. The pre-test and post-test results show a significant difference in the mean values, with a difference of 26.133 and an eta squared value of 0.70, indicating a large effect size. This suggests that the module was effective in improving students' mastery of the topic of cellular respiration. These results underscore the potential of gamified modules to enhance biology education by making complex topics more accessible and engaging for students. The study's implications for broader applications of gamification in education are also discussed, with recommendations for future research to further explore its impact on student learning.