Understanding Educational Games and Their Role in Student Learning

Abstract

Educational games have emerged as valuable tools in modern pedagogy, offering interactive and engaging ways to enhance student learning. This study explores the role of educational games in shaping students' study habits and behavior, particularly in relation to academic engagement and aggression. A descriptive survey method was employed, targeting eighth-grade students across CBSE, ICSE, and West Bengal Boards in Kharagpur and Haldia. Data were collected from 1,346 students and 115 teachers using survey questionnaires, an aggression rating scale, and structured interviews. The findings indicate that students frequently engage with simple, short-duration games such as Solitaire and Minesweeper, particularly during school breaks. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and f-ratios, reveal no significant impact of violent or non-violent gaming on study habits, suggesting that game content alone does not determine academic performance.