Simulation-game enactment for heightened motivation and enhanced retention in the discipline-based classroom

Linking educational theories with an empirical study, using an art related simulation-game, was the intent of this thesis. These educational theories involved retention of content matter, student motivation, simulation-gaming and art education. The importance of the project was directly related to the advantages of simulation-gaming. Research has suggested that students have been more motivated to learn, enjoy learning more and retain more content information as simulation-games have been brought into the classroom. Empirical data was collected as a simulation-game entitled "Investigation Simulation" was enacted with sixth grade students. A sequence of surveys was given to measure knowledge, enjoyment and retention. These consisted of a pre-test, a post-test and a delayed post-test. The results suggested (1) Students participating in the simulation-game were more actively involved in learning, (2) their retention of content matter was raised