Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning in Enhancing Anatomy Academic Performance of Gen Z Preclinical Medical Students

Main Article Content

Westi Permata Wati
Mardiastuti H Wahid
Estivana Felaza

Abstract

Anatomy is often perceived as a difficult subject by preclinical medical students. Game-based learning (GBL) offers an interactive approach that can enhance motivation and engagement, particularly among Generation Z (Gen Z) learners. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of GBL in improving anatomy academic performance among first-year medical students compared with
traditional learning. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control-group design was used, with the intervention group (receiving an anatomy lesson supplemented with Kahoot!-based game quizzes) and the control group (without Kahoot!-based game quizzes). Posttests were administered to both groups at the end of the session. Validated pretest and posttest questions were administered to both groups. Data were analysed using N-gain scores and the Mann-Whitney U test. Students’ perceptions of GBL were explored through thematic analysis of open-ended responses. From a total of 227 participants, the intervention group (n = 112) showed a significantly higher mean N-gain score (75.53%), indicating moderate effectiveness (55% < N Gain ≤ 76%) than the control group (n = 115) (45.21%) (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (d = 2.76). Students reported that GBL created an enjoyable, competitive, and
motivating learning experience that enhanced participation and self-reflection. However, they also noted challenges such as unstable internet connectivity and limited time during sessions. Therefore, GBL, paired with traditional learning, significantly enhances academic performance. These findings support integrating GBL into anatomy curricula to improve learning outcomes for Gen Z students. 

Article Details

How to Cite
Westi Permata Wati, Mardiastuti H Wahid, and Estivana Felaza. 2026. “Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning in Enhancing Anatomy Academic Performance of Gen Z Preclinical Medical Students”. Education in Medicine Journal 18 (3): 91-103. https://doi.org/10.21315/eimj2026.18.3.6.
Section
Original Article

References

Rani N, Samuel AA. A study on generational differences in work values and person-organization fit and its effect on turnover intention of Generation Y in India. Manag Res Rev. 2016;39(12):1695–719. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-10-2015-0249

Direktorat Diseminasi Statistik. Statistik Indonesia 2022. Direktorat Diseminasi Statistik, editor. Badan Pusat Statistik; 2022. p. 88–208.

Zhuhra R, Wahid MH, Mustika R. Exploring college adjustment in first-year Gen Z medical students and its contributing factors. Malays J Med Sci. 2022;29(1):126–37. https://doi.org/10.21315/mjms2022.29.1.12

Hendrastomo G, Januarti NE. The characteristics of Generation Z students and implications for future learning methods. J Kependidikan. 2023;9(2):484–96. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v9i2.7745

Fairus FN, Titaley CR, Manuputty AG, Malakauseya MLV, Taihuttu YMJ, Bension JB. Academic and adaptation difficulties of medical students with low academic achievement in the first two years. JPKI. 2023;12(2):175–85. https://doi.org/10.22146/jpki.80162

Hegazy MS, Minhas L. Reflection of the type of medical curriculum on its anatomy content: trial to improve the anatomy learning outcomes. IJCDA. 2015;1(3):52–63. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijcda.20150103.11

Mwabaleke JA, Usman IM, Tito AE, Obeten KE, Isyaku MU, Etukudo EM, et al. Perceptions and challenges faced by undergraduate medical students in studying anatomy: a case study at Kampala International University – Western Campus, Uganda. Adv Med Educ Pract. 2023;14:1129–135. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S427136

Nugraha ZS, Khadafianto F, Fidianingsih I. Refleksi pembelajaran anatomi pada mahasiswa kedokteran fase ketiga melalui applied and clinical question. RPI. 2019;1(1):21–7. https://doi.org/10.20885/rpi.vol1.iss1.art3

Dengri C, Gill A, Chopra J, Dengri C, Koritala T, Khedr A, et al. A review of the quiz, as a new dimension in medical education. Cureus. 2021;13(10):e18854. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.18854

Poon STF. Game-based learning: impact to fostering critical thinking among art and design students from Generation Z. IRJES. 2023;7(2):28–34

Lopez ENB, Abadiano MN. Understanding Generation Z, the new generation of learners: a technological motivational learning theory. J Harbin Eng. 2023;44(10):770–84

Ormrod J. Human Learning. 8th ed. Pearson Education; 2020; p.156–85. 13. Pritchard A, Woollard J. Psychology for the classroom: constructivism and social learning. Routledge; 2010; p. 1–67.

Shofyana M, Santoso YI, Aditama MG, Yulianti EH, Wibisana MA. Bridging cultures: integrating game-based learning based on local wisdom in ELT. Tell. 2024;12(2):73–89. https://doi.org/10.30651/tell.v12i2.23365

Adri RF. Pengaruh pretest terhadap tingkat pemahaman mahasiswa program studi ilmu politik pada mata kuliah ilmu alamiah dasar. Menara Ilmu. 2020;XIV:81–85. https://doi.org/10.31869/mi.v14i1.1742

Felszeghy S, Pasonen-Seppänen S, Koskela A, Nieminen P, Härkönen K, Paldanius KMA, et al. Using online game-based platforms to improve student performance and engagement in histology teaching. BMC Med Educ. 2019;19(1):273. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1701-0

Alifa FH, Abdullah R, Soemantri D. Relation between metacognitive awareness and learning outcomes of medical students. TMJ. 2024;3(2):39. https://doi.org/10.62870/tmj.v3i2.25156

Maulida NN, Sukadi S, Rahayu S. Effectiveness of the implementation game-based-learning in increasing student learning outcomes. JPP. 2022 Dec 2;22(3):252–65. https://doi.org/10.17509/jpp.v22i3.50977

Garza MC, Olivan S, Monleón E, Cisneros AI, García-Barrios A, Ochoa I, et al. Performance in Kahoot! activities as predictive of exam performance. BMC Med Educ. 2023;23(1):413. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04379-x

Sana F, Forrin ND, Sharma M, Dubljevic T, Ho P, Jalil E, et al. Optimizing the efficacy of learning objectives through pretests. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2020;19(3):1–10. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.19-11-0257

van Gaalen AEJ, Brouwer J, Schönrock-Adema J, Bouwkamp-Timmer T, Jaarsma ADC, Georgiadis JR. Gamification of health professions education: a systematic review. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract. 2021;26(2):683–711. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-020-10000-3

Cortés-Pérez I, Zagalaz-Anula N, López-Ruiz MDC, Díaz-Fernández Á, Obrero-Gaitán E, Osuna-Pérez MC. Study based on gamification of tests through Kahoot!TM and reward game cards as an innovative tool in physiotherapy students: a preliminary study. Healthcare. 2023;11(4):578. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11040578

Wibawa ACP, Mumtaziah HQ, Sholaihah LA, Hikmawan R. Game-based learning: impact to foster critical thinking among art and design students from Generation Z. IRJES. 2021;3(1):17–22.

Dipani MA. Innovative learning method using game-based learning (GBL) to motivate students. Saintek. 2023;2(1):197–204

Ismail MAA, Ahmad A, Mohammad JAM, Fakri NMRM, Nor MZM, Pa MNM. Using Kahoot! as a formative assessment tool in medical education: a phenomenological study. BMC Med Educ. 2019;19(1):230. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1658-z

Du Y, Gamal Katoue M, Qian H, Xu M, Luo Y, Zhang Y, et al. Game-based learning in medical education. Frontiers (Boulder). 2023;1–9.

Wang AI, Tahir R. The effect of using Kahoot! for learning – A literature review. J Comput Educ. 2020;149:103818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2020.103818

Padirayon LM, Pagudpud MV., Cruz JSD. Exploring constructivist learning theory using mobile game. IOP Conf Ser: Mater Sci Eng. 2019;482:012004. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/482/1/012004

Saye JW, Brush T. Scaffolding critical reasoning about history and social issues in multimediasupported learning environments. ETR&D. 2002;50:77–96. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02505026

Chang C, Kuo C, Hou HT, Koe JJY. Design and evaluation of a multi-sensory scaffolding gamification science course with mobile technology for learners with total blindness. Comput Human Behav. 2022;128:107085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2021.107085