Using video games to motivate and engage African American males to excel in academic coursework

Jones, Kenneth Philip

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/117637 Copy

Description

Title

Using video games to motivate and engage African American males to excel in academic coursework

Author(s)

Jones, Kenneth Philip

Issue Date

2022-10-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Pak, Yoon

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Pak, Yoon

Committee Member(s)

• Hood, Denice W
• Huang, Wenhao D
• Oh, Eunjung G

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Video Games
• Situated Learning
• Motivation
• Learning Transfer.

Language

eng

Abstract

This dissertation took a close examination of how video games could have the potential to motivate and engage African American males to excel in academic learning institutions. The study employed a qualitative methodological approach by analyzing data from four African American male college students are avid video game players and have experienced success throughout their academic lives. The participants were individually and collectively video and audio recorded during interviews, observations, and a wrap-up session. The study used situated learning as the theoretical framework to understand how multiple processes could produce effective learning linked to motivation and instruction. In addition, the situated learning approach showed that engaging in activities could raise the motivation to learn because knowledge is formed when people interact in situations. Therefore, motivated learners will look to be placed in highly productive instructional environments to further their personal growth and development. The information obtained from the African American male participants in the study showed that playing video games provided an engaging approach to learning educational content. Furthermore, it demonstrated how content from games could be transferred into situations outside of academic coursework for deeper learning associated with daily life skills. The study concluded with recommendations for educators to examine video games as a viable method to attract and engage Black men in academic learning environments to excel and accomplish educational milestones.

Graduation Semester

2022-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/117637

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Kenneth Jones

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