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Improving student performance: Playing Survivor

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  • Klein, Alina F.
  • Klein, Rudolf F.

Abstract

There is an extensive literature asserting the undisputable educational value of games. Inspired by a popular CBS TV show, this paper presents a Survivor-style game that instructors can implement in any economics course. At first, students play in teams, then individually. This encourages both teamwork and independent learning. We also conduct an experiment to compare a control and a treatment group in terms of course scores and attendance. We find that students who have played Survivor have statistically better performance and better attendance than their peers in the control group. In light of our findings, we recommend incorporating such active-learning activities in economics classes. Integrating fun and engaging components to the “chalk-and-talk” teaching approach adds important intangible benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Klein, Alina F. & Klein, Rudolf F., 2023. "Improving student performance: Playing Survivor," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 44(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ireced:v:44:y:2023:i:c:s147738802300018x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iree.2023.100277
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Active learning; Classroom games; Popular media; Survivor;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate

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