Embedding MOMA Digital Learning Media in a Game-Based Learning Framework to Enhance Financial Literacy of Vocational Students

Introduction: financial literacy the ability to manage personal finances is crucial, yet Indonesia’s rate remains low, particularly among vocational high school (SMK) students who struggle with budget control and saving. Conventional teaching methods rarely enlace theory to practice, highlighting the need for innovation Game-Based Learning provides a solution through simulations that let students make financial decisions safely. This study introduces MOMA (Money Management), a digital tool that integrates gamification and experiential learning to strengthen financial knowledge and habits.Methods: this study applied a quantitative Pre-Experimental One Group Pretest–Posttest Design involving 632 students from six vocational high schools (SMK) in Yogyakarta province. The independent variable was the learning method (MOMA-based Game-Based Learning compared with conventional methods), while the dependent variable was financial literacy. A pretest measured initial literacy, followed by treatment in experimental classes using MOMA and control classes with traditional methods, and a posttest assessed improvement.Results: the results showed an overview of students’ financial literacy levels based on the analysis of their overall scores. The mean score indicated that most students were at a moderate level of financial literacy, suggesting that they possessed a basic understanding of financial concepts but still lacked depth in certain areas such as investment management and long-term financial planning. The standard deviation value demonstrated a relatively small spread of scores, indicating that most students’ performance was clustered around the mean. This consistency reflects a relatively uniform level of financial literacy across the sample, although variations were still observed among individuals.Conclusions: the MOMA game-based learning approach effectively enhanced students’ financial literacy by providing engaging and interactive learning experiences.