First Results from Using Game Refinement Measure and Learning Coefficient in Scrabble

TL;DR

This study introduces the learning coefficient and applies game refinement measures to Scrabble variants, identifying optimal configurations for entertainment and language learning based on board size and dictionary scope.

Contribution

It proposes a new learning coefficient measure and analyzes Scrabble variants to optimize entertainment and educational value.

Findings

13x13 Scrabble offers the best entertainment experience.

15x15 Scrabble with 4% dictionary enhances language learning.

15x15 Scrabble with 10% dictionary balances entertainment and learning.

Abstract

This paper explores the entertainment experience and learning experience in Scrabble. It proposes a new measure from the educational point of view, which we call learning coefficient, based on the balance between the learner's skill and the challenge in Scrabble. Scrabble variants, generated using different size of board and dictionary, are analyzed with two measures of game refinement and learning coefficient. The results show that 13x13 Scrabble yields the best entertainment experience and 15x15 (standard) Scrabble with 4% of original dictionary size yields the most effective environment for language learners. Moreover, 15x15 Scrabble with 10% of original dictionary size has a good balance between entertainment and learning experience.