STEAM games are good for learning in elementary schools: A study of teacher professional development in the Philippines.

In a study on digital game-based learning in five high-poverty elementary schools in the Philippines, the teachers’ professional development experiences were investigated. Research conducted for the study was part of a university-industry partnership with the developer of a new platform designed to give teachers and students experience of integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) curriculum in an innovative digital game-based format with elements of coding, robotics and project-based learning. Findings suggest that teachers found it highly effective for engaging students more in learning, with fewer student absentees recorded across the five-week intervention. While noteworthy satisfaction with the program was expressed by teachers about the in-class effectiveness of digital game-based learning, and with the professional learning provided to up-skill themselves in the platform prior to implementation of the program, it was found that significant contextual and language improvements could enhance the overarching aims of this digital game-based resource for STEAM teaching and learning.