Effect of using game-based methods on learning efficiency: Teaching management to engineers

The paper describes results of using a design approach, which combines gamification and electronic learning (e-learning) for teaching management students in engineering disciplines. The focus of the research was to determine, which combination of approaches and methods would provide the most effective from the students’ perspective. A sample of students (n = 170) was randomized and divided into a reference group and two test groups. The reference group was taught using the traditional face-to-face learning approach of Ural Federal University. Test group 1 was selected for teaching by e-learning, and test group 2 was taught using a combined traditional and distant learning approach. The total sample of students was pretested at the beginning of the course to establish a baseline for comparison purposes. On completion of the study at the end of the course all the students took a standardized test in order to assess learning results. Self-reported levels of student satisfaction were encouragingly good and the paper presents test statistics along with a discussion on the results of the student feedback. The efficiency of the three methods is explored with suggestions for future research.