The Effectiveness of Educational Games as a Learning Medium in Enhancing the Learning Activity of Elementary School Students

Abstract

Student learning activeness is one of the important factors that influences the success of the learning process in elementary schools. However, in practice, students' involvement in learning activities is often still low due to the use of less varied teaching methods that tend to be teacher-centered. One alternative that can be used to address this issue is the utilization of educational games as learning media. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of educational games as learning media in improving elementary school students' learning activeness through a literature review approach. The research employed a qualitative method using a literature study design. Data were collected from various scientific articles, national journals, and relevant literature discussing the use of educational games in learning. Data analysis was conducted through data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing based on the findings of previous studies. The results of the literature review indicate that educational games are highly effective in enhancing students’ learning activeness. Increased activeness is reflected in students’ participation in asking questions, engaging in discussions, answering questions, collaborating with peers, and actively participating in various learning activities. In addition, educational games contribute to improving students’ learning motivation, learning interest, self-confidence, and learning outcomes. Various forms of educational games, such as modified monopoly games, educational snakes and ladders, interactive games, Kahoot, Quizizz, and local culture-based learning media, have been shown to create more engaging, interactive, and enjoyable learning environments. Therefore, educational games can be considered an effective learning medium for enhancing the learning activeness of elementary school students.