http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/pupils-who-play-computer-games-872340
11th June 2012
Top marks for gamers: Pupils who play
computer games do better in exams
Experts claim games where pupils’
characters live longer by answering subject
questions correctly encourage learning by
stealth.
Youngsters who regularly play computer
games perform better in their GCSEs.
In a study in a secondary school, pupils had
to answer questions related to a chosen
subject to get access to a computer game.
Up to 70% of pupils who frequently used the
special educational games met or exceeded their maths targets, compared to 40% of students who played
them less often. In English, 70% of gamers met or beat their predicted grade, while in science the figure
was 50%.
In comparison, the rates for the lowest users were 30% and 50% respectively.
Similar differences were seen in nearly every year group across maths, English, science, IT, history and
geography. Experts claim the games, where pupils’ characters live longer by answering subject
questions correctly, encourage learning by stealth.
Developer i-education’s system is in 900 schools and teachers can also use it to set homework and track
progress. Director Steve Holt, 33, said the main purpose was to engage and motivate students.
He said: “If we create something they want to do and are interested in, half the battle is won and results
will go up.
“Students think they’re playing games but they’re actually improving their results.”
David Pohl, deputy headmaster of Yardleys School in Birmingham, where the study was held, believes
the system has made a huge difference.
He said: “It’s clear that, in core subjects, those who use them most stand a significantly increased
chance of meeting their GCSE target grades.
“Children love playing them and also love the competition. There are leader boards that show attainment
against peers within school and also globally.
“The games element is critical – without that, they wouldn’t do it. There’s still a place for textbooks but
I may rethink this if or when all students have iPads.”