A modified Kiss, Marry, Kill game, a novel game-based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific concepts

ABSTRACT This study introduces how a series of fun and interactive discussion board activities can enhance student engagement and understanding of important chemical and biological concepts in college biology and anatomy and physiology courses. The activity is a novel game-based learning approach ba...

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Main Authors: Roberto Mariani, Emral Devany
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American Society for Microbiology 2025-08-01
Series:Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jmbe.00055-25
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author Roberto Mariani
Emral Devany
author_facet Roberto Mariani
Emral Devany
author_sort Roberto Mariani
collection DOAJ
description ABSTRACT This study introduces how a series of fun and interactive discussion board activities can enhance student engagement and understanding of important chemical and biological concepts in college biology and anatomy and physiology courses. The activity is a novel game-based learning approach based on a modified version of the “Kiss, Marry, Kill” (KMK) game, where students choose between course content-related choices provided (e.g., three types of cellular organelles—mitochondria, ribosomes, and nucleus) and explain their choices. By requiring students to evaluate and justify their choices, this method promotes critical thinking and collaborative learning in biology education. Participants also engage in discussions about these choices, fostering collaborative learning. This article details the implementation process, anticipated outcomes, and pedagogical benefits of this innovative approach.
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institution Kabale University
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publishDate 2025-08-01
publisher American Society for Microbiology
record_format Article
series Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
spelling doaj-art-577db3fff2d44f4f829059ce5bf5a5f02025-08-21T13:01:58ZengAmerican Society for MicrobiologyJournal of Microbiology & Biology Education1935-78771935-78852025-08-0126210.1128/jmbe.00055-25A modified Kiss, Marry, Kill game, a novel game-based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific conceptsRoberto Mariani0Emral Devany1Kingsborough Community College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, USAKingsborough Community College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York, USAABSTRACT This study introduces how a series of fun and interactive discussion board activities can enhance student engagement and understanding of important chemical and biological concepts in college biology and anatomy and physiology courses. The activity is a novel game-based learning approach based on a modified version of the “Kiss, Marry, Kill” (KMK) game, where students choose between course content-related choices provided (e.g., three types of cellular organelles—mitochondria, ribosomes, and nucleus) and explain their choices. By requiring students to evaluate and justify their choices, this method promotes critical thinking and collaborative learning in biology education. Participants also engage in discussions about these choices, fostering collaborative learning. This article details the implementation process, anticipated outcomes, and pedagogical benefits of this innovative approach.https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jmbe.00055-25Kiss Marry Killgame-based learningdiscussion boarddiscussionbiologyeducation
spellingShingle Roberto Mariani
Emral Devany
A modified Kiss, Marry, Kill game, a novel game-based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific concepts
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
Kiss Marry Kill
game-based learning
discussion board
discussion
biology
education
title A modified Kiss, Marry, Kill game, a novel game-based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific concepts
title_full A modified Kiss, Marry, Kill game, a novel game-based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific concepts
title_fullStr A modified Kiss, Marry, Kill game, a novel game-based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific concepts
title_full_unstemmed A modified Kiss, Marry, Kill game, a novel game-based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific concepts
title_short A modified Kiss, Marry, Kill game, a novel game-based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific concepts
title_sort modified kiss marry kill game a novel game based learning activity for biology and anatomy and physiology students to learn and retain complex scientific concepts
topic Kiss Marry Kill
game-based learning
discussion board
discussion
biology
education
url https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jmbe.00055-25
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