Helping ELL Learners Advance To the Next Level: Teaching Through Video Games By: Colleen Hart

Guiding Questions -Do Math Computer Games increase achievement -Is the relationship different for different linguistic groups? -How about different gender groups?

Level 1: Achievement Positive effect for motivation Mixed research for achievement gains No consensus for whether computer games increase cognitive achievement

Level 2: Effects on ELL students Facts: Statistics show rapid increase of linguistic minorities: almost four million in the US K-12 school system (NCES, 2004) Lower passing rate in math Lower achievement averages in math Computer Games: Aid limited language Promote participation Higher performance mostly noted in Male ELL students “features of computer games helped ELL students to associate with other students and overcome their limited language ability” (Gerbic, 2006)

Applications for ELL Students in the Classroom Computer games may… Make ELL students more comfortable with their language skills Make ELL students math achievement higher Create a comforting environment for those learning math and the English language

Level 3: Effects on Different Genders Native Male Achievement Significantly lower achievement when playing math computer games daily Higher achievement when playing once a month/twice a week than those who did not play any at all Native Female Achievement Less attracted to the competitiveness of the games Enjoyed the social aspect Similar patterns to male achievement Results were not as significant as males

Applications for Male Students in the Classroom Limit use of math computer games in the classroom Don’t eliminate computer usage Encourage moderation in use of computer games Assess improvement after students use games Monitor appropriate use of the math games

Applications for Female Students in the Classroom Limit competition games Have a selection of math computer games for students to choose from Monitor student playing time Monitor appropriate use Allow group work, but keep an eye on the socialization Assess their math skill improvement

What are the Overall Implications? Computer games help student achievement in moderation ELL students should be given technology opportunities Computer games need to be monitored Computer games should NOT be the focus Identify strengths and weaknesses of the particular games and determine appropriateness

What Kinds of Computer Games are Appropriate? Feedback and assessment once the games are implemented are a good way to deem appropriateness and if they are truly worth the time Games to reinforce basic skills Introductory programs to introduce vocabulary to ELL students Educational games relevant to their skill level or the standards Computer games of interest to the students

KIM, SUNHA, AND MIDO CHANG. "COMPUTER GAMES FOR THE MATH ACHIEVEMENT OF DIVERSE STUDENTS." JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY 13.3 (2010): PRINT. Sources