Game-Based Learning Using the Waste-Separation Snakes and Ladders for Income Generation Game to Enhance Understanding of Solid Waste Value

Abstract

This research aimed to compare students’ learning achievement before and after learning through waste-segregation activities designed to enhance their understanding of solid waste value using a game-based learning approach with the Waste-Separation Snakes and Ladders for Income Generation game, and to examine their satisfaction with this learning approach. The target group consisted of 66 undergraduate students enrolled in the General Education course Love Me, Love the Environment in the first semester of the 2025 academic year. The research instruments included (1) the instructional media innovation on waste separation for understanding waste value, which comprised the Waste-Separation Snakes and Ladders for Income Generation game; and a worksheet on income-generating waste separation, and a worksheet on waste reduction, separation, and the benefits and impacts of waste problems; (2) a pre-test and post-test for measuring learning achievements; and (3) a satisfaction questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics for the comparison of the pre-test and post-test scores; Effectiveness Index (E.I.) for assessing learning progress; and the calculation of the relative gain score. The results of study showed that the students’ post-learning achievement scores (µ=18.20, σ=1.21) were higher than their pre-learning scores (µ=13.47, σ=2.88), with all the students had post-learning scores of 80 percent or higher. Furthermore, the Effectiveness Index (E.I.) indicated that the students’ knowledge increased by 72.39%. Additionally, the relative gain score showed that all students achieved a high level of progress at 50%. In terms of student satisfaction, the students expressed the highest level of overall satisfaction (µ=4.50, σ=0.08) with the Waste-Separation Snakes and Ladders for Income Generation game. It can be concluded that the game-based learning using the Waste-Separation Snakes and Ladders for Income Generation game can effectively enhance students’ learning achievements and foster a high level of learning satisfaction.