Article Gold Open Access 2025

Enhancing motivation, soft skills and perceived learning in accounting using game-based approach

Journal of Education and Learning
Journal · Vol. 19 · Issue 3 · pp. 1427-1437
Abstract

Employers often perceive accounting graduates as lacking motivation and soft skills. The research proposes that game-based learning (GBL) will enhance students' motivation, teamwork, critical thinking, communication skills, and promote learning. Research instruments include academic motivation scale (AMS) utilized to measure motivation, skills assessment scale (SAS) for soft skills, and a test instrument for perceived learning. GBL kit and instruments were validated by experts in accounting. All the research instruments are fit for use with Cronbach Alpha values above 0.9. Using a quasi-experimental design, before the experimental phase, both experimental and control groups did a pre-test for perceived learning. Upon completion of the experimental phase, they did a post-test and answered the AMS and SAS instruments. Regression analyses show that GBL contributed positively and significantly toward the experimental group’s intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills development. An independent t-test on post-tests shows that the experimental group outperforms the control group. Hence, this study concludes that GBL strategy can create a value-added experience that reinforces learning and enhances competencies. Thus, GBL should be an option in accounting teaching as the benefits achieved are from multiple learning dimensions. © 2025, Intelektual Pustaka Media Utama. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Author Keywords

motivation soft skills Game-based learning Perceived learning Quasi-experiment

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Department of Accounting and Finance, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia
Funding & Acknowledgements
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris
Grant: 2020-0202-107-01
Much appreciation to Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) which has contributed Fundamental University Research Grant (GPUF) to complete this research (Project code: 2020-0202-107-01). Special thanks to everyone involved in completing the study and preparation of this article. Hopefully, this small effort will yield results that can add value to human development and national development in the future.
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