Playing styles based on experiential learning theory
In: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/644187/EU/Realising an Applied Gaming Eco-system/RAGE
In recent years, many researchers have reported positive outcomes and effects from applying computer games to the educational process. The main preconditions for an effective game-based learning process include the presence of high learning interest and the desire to study hard. Therefore, educational game design has to tailor gameplay to the psycho-cognitive abilities, attitudes and skills of an individual player, in order to foster the player's motivation and creativity. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to draw a parallel between learning and playing styles, and to investigate the correlations between these types of constructs. The article presents a new playing style family based on Kolb's experiential learning theory that is appropriate to be used for educational games. This family is composed of four playing styles: Competitor, Dreamer, Logician and Strategist, and corresponds to Honey and Mumford's learning styles. To measure the four playing styles, a 40-item questionnaire was designed. In order to verify the consistency, validity, and reliability of that questionnaire as an accurate tool for recognizing the four suggested player styles, a pilot study was conducted. The article reports the results obtained from the study, along with their analysis and applicability. ; This study is part of the RAGE project. The RAGE project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 644187. This publication reflects only the author's view. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.