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ABSTRACT
Despite simulation games (SGs) being a novel pedagogical tool that can soundly represent real environments to enhance students ‘learning outcomes, knowledge, and skills, there is still a lack of an overview of the current theoretical understanding of using simulation games as a pedagogical method to develop K-12 learning outcomes. Taking an explanatory perspective, we examined the recent empirical studies in simulation games through a systematic search method following the PRISMA guidelines, and then discussed the benefits, limitations, and recommendations of using simulation games in K-12 education during the period of 2016 and continued to 2021 via six databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, ERC, ERIC, IEEE. Twenty-four papers were identified as the result of the data extraction process. We identified the benefits and limitations of implementing learning games in k-12 education. Findings revealed that simulation games used as teaching tools could develop student learning outcomes across the different subjects owing to features such as learners’ engagement and motivation, a safe interactive environment, and increased academic performance and achievements. An important avenue for future research is to examine a new insights into and practical advice on the meaningful inclusion of simulation games in K-12 education.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Samah H. Almaki
Dr. Samah Hatem Almaki is a senior lecturer in the department of education studies at the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. His research focuses on identifying and understanding the student’s interaction in education context by using different technologies and methods. Especially in the human social sciences assisted with contemporary learning design.
Mnyero A. Gunda
Dr. Mnyero A. Gunda is a senior lecturer in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the Open University of Tanzania. His research fields are nature of pedagogical content knowledge experienced teachers and teaching education, and youth development intricacies, and qualitative research methodology.
Khairuddin Idris
Dr. Khairuddin Idris is a professor in Professional Development and Continuing Education at University Putra Malaysia. His field of expertise is in organizational learning, and he also gives focus on the areas of workplace learning, the learning organization and Organization change and development.
Abdul Talib M. Hashim
Dr. Abdul Talib Bin Mohamed Hashim is an associate professor in the department of education studies. He currently the Dean for the human development, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia. He is an expertise in multicultural educational and intercultural education, sociology of education.
Siti Rahaimah Ali
Dr. Siti Rahaimah Binti Ali is an associate professor in the department of education studies at the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. She is a head of the department of education studies department. Her research fields are educational math.