A game-based educational method relying on student-generated questions

TL;DR

This study introduces a game-based educational approach where students create multiple-choice questions, which improves exam performance without harming problem-solving skills, and is well-received by students.

Contribution

It presents a novel method integrating student-generated questions into an educational game and assessment, enhancing engagement and performance in Photonics courses.

Findings

Students who authored MCQs performed better in MCQ tests

The method increased student satisfaction

No negative impact on problem-solving skills

Abstract

Student-generated multiple-choice questions (MCQs) revised by the instructor were used to design an educational game and to set part of the exam in the framework of an elementary course in Photonics. An anonymous survey among the students revealed their general satisfaction with the method. The exam results of students who had been asked to author MCQs were compared to those of a control group subject to traditional teaching. The results of the former in the MCQ test of the exam were significantly better, without this being detrimental to their comparative performance in problem-solving.