The usefulness and effectiveness of game-based learning when revising and preparing for written exams in nursing education: A feasibility study

Studying for final exams is often regarded as difficult for nursing students, therefore, activities using game-based learning methods may increase student satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the feasibility of a game-based learning activity on nursing students' learning and revision processes. A one-group pre and post-questionnaire design was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a game-based learning activity. All nursing students found the game-based learning activity valuable when preparing for written exams. The learning activity increased the levels of knowledge retention and the final grades. Although two students found the activity somewhat distracting, most students believed that game-based learning should be embedded into the nursing curriculum. The game-based learning activity was well-accepted when revising for written exams in nursing. However, research at a larger scale is required to confirm the effectiveness of the activity on students' knowledge, grades and long-term retention.