Unlocking Learning Potential: The Impact of AR Serious Games on Academic Performance and Creative Problem-Solving

Augmented Reality (AR) is transforming education by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences that enhance student engagement, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving abilities. This paper explores the impact of AR-based serious games (SGs) on academic performance and creative thinking, particularly in STEM education. By merging gamification with immersive learning, AR-based SGs facilitate deeper conceptual comprehension, foster motivation, and promote collaborative problem-solving. Additionally, the integration of Game Learning Analytics (GLA) enables real-time monitoring of student progress, personalized learning experiences, and data-driven assessments. Despite these advantages, challenges such as accessibility, teacher training, and scalability hinder widespread implementation. This study proposes a conceptual framework that aligns serious game elements with problem-solving and creative thinking in STEM education. The findings highlight AR’s potential to bridge the gap between traditional and digital learning, equipping students with essential 21st-century skills. Future research should focus on standardizing AR-based game design frameworks, enhancing scalability, and evaluating AR’s long-term cognitive impact on student learning outcomes. Keywords Augmented Reality, Cognitivism, Educational Games, Serious Games