Active learning about cell biology in a popular university prep course: the contribution of an educational game

• Grant number: 25/15395-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - General Physiology
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Klein Marcondes
• Grantee: Ana Luisa Betiolli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

With the presence of technology in the daily lives of the new generation from an early age, students often show great difficulty concentrating during theoretical classes in which they passively receive information, which negatively affects their academic performance. In this context, the use of different active learning methodologies encourages student participation and supports the learning process. For teaching cell biology, an educational game was developed and positively evaluated by 1st-year high school students, promoting a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. Considering that cell structure is a topic commonly covered in university entrance exams and the ENEM, this project aims to analyze the effect of this game on the perception and learning of students enrolled in a community-based preparatory course. Cognitive gain will be calculated based on the scores obtained in pre- and post-tests, and students' perceptions will be analyzed through a questionnaire.