Pre-service teachers’ perceptions on game based learning scenarios in primary reading and writing instruction courses

The aim of this study was to explore pre-service teachers’ perceptions on the use of game-based learning in a Primary Reading and Writing Instruction Course. A mixed method research was used in the study. Participants were composed of a total of 189 pre-service teachers taking the Primary Reading and Writing Instruction course during the fall term of the 2013-2014 academic year. After a 12-week teaching period, the data regarding pre-service teachers’ views were collected by means of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. While the descriptive analysis technique, including the presentation of data in terms of frequency (f) and percentages (%), was used for the quantitative data, the qualitative data analysis was completed progressively over three phases: (1) data reduction, (2) data display, and (3) conclusion drawing. The results of both the qualitative and quantitative data revealed that pre-service teachers held positive opinions toward the use of game based learning scenarios in Primary Reading and Writing Instruction courses. Moreover, according to the results, the pre-service teachers stated that their knowledge related to primary reading and writing instruction was enhanced as a result of the game based activities. On the other hand, the challenge most frequently experienced by the pre-service teachers included feeling anxious about the possibility of failing to design both an age- and content-appropriate game.