University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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

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.
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
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2022 Kenneth Jones

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