Case study : using gamification to teach construction management concepts and content

The need for industry-aligned learning is a consistent demand from construction organisations. Gamification (Game-based learning) can offer such an alignment. By using games as a medium to deliver course content, gamification allows students to acquire knowledge and skills in a new learning experience that is fascinating, personalised, interactive, and entertaining to achieve the purpose of real-time teaching. As a result, an increasing number of educators have adopted gamification in various disciplines in the tertiary sector to enhance learning and teaching. However, the understanding of using gamification within construction management education is still lacking. This paper will discuss the application of gamification within construction management education through a case study within a leading Australian university. The case study incorporates the Merit Game and relevant organisational/business management content into an undergraduate construction management program. The selected case study will report documentation analysis using two years of data and student reflection papers with observations on using this gamification technique. Overall, students reported receiving a positive learning experience with higher-order learning outcomes while further identifying good practices incorporated into future delivery programs. In addition, industry advisory boards, accreditation bodies, and program graduates found it valuable in a small sample. The case study findings will inform construction management programs on selecting and delivering gamification successfully in higher education institutions.