Development of an interactive game-based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutrition
ABSTRACT Effective science education relies on innovative and engaging teaching tools that enhance student learning and retention. This need is particularly important in agricultural science outreach, where understanding the role of microbiology in animal health and disease is essential for both liv...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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American Society for Microbiology
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education |
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| Online Access: | https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jmbe.00064-25 |
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| author | Jennie L. Zambito Ivey Rachel N. Flinchum Laney M. Stephens Phillip R. Myer |
| author_facet | Jennie L. Zambito Ivey Rachel N. Flinchum Laney M. Stephens Phillip R. Myer |
| author_sort | Jennie L. Zambito Ivey |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | ABSTRACT Effective science education relies on innovative and engaging teaching tools that enhance student learning and retention. This need is particularly important in agricultural science outreach, where understanding the role of microbiology in animal health and disease is essential for both livestock producers and the public. However, traditional teaching methods often fail to adequately convey complex concepts in an accessible, applicable, and memorable way. To address this gap, a memory-based card game was developed utilizing game-based learning (GBL) principles to improve comprehension of microbiology’s impact on animal health and disease within agricultural systems. This interactive tool balances educational content with gameplay, fostering an engaging learning experience that encourages knowledge retention and real-world application. Through the use of the game, pre- and post-self-assessments indicated learners perceived they were improved in their understanding of microbes in agriculture and noted their greater likelihood to use this information in real-world situations (P < 0.001). By integrating this game into extension and outreach programs, we aim to enhance public understanding of agricultural systems and microbiology’s role in animal health, ultimately improving informed decision-making and agricultural literacy. This approach not only advances microbiology education but also exemplifies the pedagogical benefits of incorporating GBL into agricultural science communication. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b3cccdfeeef74676b4dbfcfd567b1e1c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1935-7877 1935-7885 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | American Society for Microbiology |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-b3cccdfeeef74676b4dbfcfd567b1e1c2025-08-21T13:01:41ZengAmerican Society for MicrobiologyJournal of Microbiology & Biology Education1935-78771935-78852025-08-0126210.1128/jmbe.00064-25Development of an interactive game-based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutritionJennie L. Zambito Ivey0Rachel N. Flinchum1Laney M. Stephens2Phillip R. Myer3Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USADepartment of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USADepartment of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USADepartment of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USAABSTRACT Effective science education relies on innovative and engaging teaching tools that enhance student learning and retention. This need is particularly important in agricultural science outreach, where understanding the role of microbiology in animal health and disease is essential for both livestock producers and the public. However, traditional teaching methods often fail to adequately convey complex concepts in an accessible, applicable, and memorable way. To address this gap, a memory-based card game was developed utilizing game-based learning (GBL) principles to improve comprehension of microbiology’s impact on animal health and disease within agricultural systems. This interactive tool balances educational content with gameplay, fostering an engaging learning experience that encourages knowledge retention and real-world application. Through the use of the game, pre- and post-self-assessments indicated learners perceived they were improved in their understanding of microbes in agriculture and noted their greater likelihood to use this information in real-world situations (P < 0.001). By integrating this game into extension and outreach programs, we aim to enhance public understanding of agricultural systems and microbiology’s role in animal health, ultimately improving informed decision-making and agricultural literacy. This approach not only advances microbiology education but also exemplifies the pedagogical benefits of incorporating GBL into agricultural science communication.https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jmbe.00064-25agriculturemicrobiologygame-based learningcards |
| spellingShingle | Jennie L. Zambito Ivey Rachel N. Flinchum Laney M. Stephens Phillip R. Myer Development of an interactive game-based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutrition Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education agriculture microbiology game-based learning cards |
| title | Development of an interactive game-based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutrition |
| title_full | Development of an interactive game-based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutrition |
| title_fullStr | Development of an interactive game-based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutrition |
| title_full_unstemmed | Development of an interactive game-based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutrition |
| title_short | Development of an interactive game-based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutrition |
| title_sort | development of an interactive game based learning tool to enhance understanding of microbiology in animal health and nutrition |
| topic | agriculture microbiology game-based learning cards |
| url | https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jmbe.00064-25 |
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