Student and teacher perceptions of the value of Total War: Saga in motivating KS3 students in an all-boys state school

Abstract

This paper will investigate the efficacy of using game-based learning to increase motivation in Key Stage 3 boys (aged 11-14) at a single-sex, non-selective free school located in inner London. During observations of classes I have seen a spectrum of varying motivation in the classroom. As such, the aim of this game-inspired motivation should, as this paper will find, have a clearly demonstrable influence on their academic studies. This will be examined through measuring both an increase in intercultural communication competence and a desire to autodidactically research these historical and classical topics. Whilst the long-term effects of this research paper on its participants will not be properly understood for years to come, what can be currently measured, I hope, can offer genuine excitement in the area of digital games and motivation.