A Game to Promote Literacy and Psychosocial Well-being among Syrian Refugee Children

Abstract

Antura and the Letters was chosen by EduAppSyria as innovative digital game solution to promote literacy and psychosocial well-being in refugee children. This article reports the international assessment of its effectiveness in the Azraq Camp in Jordan. The study used a longitudinal, quasi-experimental method and compared literacy, emotional and psychosocial well-being of children from summer classes of two distinct villages: one class included the game as one of the class activities, the other class followed the curriculum as usual. Both quantitative and qualitative measures recorded from children, parents, and teachers, conveyed evidence that the game improved literacy (alphabetic knowledge, phonological awareness, fluent reading) and emotional well-being (reduced emotional and behavioral disturbances and increased positive peer relationships, better social interactions, and better sense of well-being). Digital game-based learning may enhance traditional teaching methods and promote emotional and psychosocial well-being in refugee children from Syria.