Gamestar Mechanic

Robert Torres’ Gamestar Mechanic Research
From March 2007 to June 2008 Robert conducted research studies that tested Gamestar Mechanic’s potential to teach middle and high school students the basics of game design and systems thinking. As part of the games and learning research efforts funded by the MacArthur Foundation nationally, the study research seeks to extend work in the learning sciences primarily concerned with the nature of learning in context. The most recent study in NYC engaged 16 middle school students in a systems-thinking design project where, they designed complex video games. Research in the new games and learning field is beginning to show that the design of video games embed effective learning principles in highly situated and motivating contexts. Private foundations and government agencies have taken significant interest in this field as video games demonstrate the potential to teach skills necessary in the 21st century, such as systems-thinking, strategic problem solving and, interpretative analysis. Robert’s Gamestar Mechanic studies contribute to research on the viability of games and game design as learning vehicles for the acquisition of systems-thinking skills. Early findings from Robert’s studies indicate that Gamestar Mechanic may be an effective learning tool. In the most recent four month-long study with NYC middle schoolers, accuracy in responding to system dynamics questions increased from 25% to 62%, for a total improvement of 37%. A design-based research approach was used to evaluate the potential of this approach to learning. Further analyses of data are currently underway.

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