A protein purification card game develops subject knowledge and transferable skills

Abstract

Games can help learners of all ages retain knowledge and build skills such as critical thinking. As such, they could be a useful tool in supporting practical training at the university level.This paper describes the development, use, and evaluation of a card game based on protein purification techniques, for a large cohort of undergraduates studying Molecular Biology and related subjects. Game materials are available and can be adapted for a different audience. Players collect cards representing chromatography columns, buffers, and elution methods by drawing cards from a common deck, and discard them in order to separate a single protein from a mixture of molecules with different properties (represented by a separate set of cards).Surveys showed that the game met its three goals: to assess, increase, and apply subject knowledge; to develop skills in communication and experimental planning; and to provide a fun experience. It was more successful for those students who enjoy games and puzzles in their spare time than for those who do not, correlating with the "gamer" group finding it easier to understand and remember the rules of the game. Thus, games can form a useful part of biochemistry teaching practice.

Go Carb Deck: A Card Game for Teaching Classification of Simple Monosaccharides

“…Improvement in academic achievement as a result of playing the developed card game is not surprising as various research studies have uncovered the positive effects of employing games toward learning outcomes in biochemistry. , Improvements in learning outcome can be attributed to how games are used in the classroom. In the present study, students are given an opportunity to actively explore the concept that had already been taught by other means.…”

“…Another game was also developed to help students master identifying and differentiating monosaccharide isomers . Meanwhile, another card game was also utilized for undergraduate students based on protein purification techniques . Aside from being used in biochemistry, games are also used to teach concepts in DNA, particularly in molecular genetics and evolutionary biology.…”

The Ecologist's Career Compass: A game to explore career paths

“…The ability of games to enrich and enhance the learning experience and performance of players, and stimulate discussion around the topics of the game, is well‐substantiated (Subhash & Cudney, 2018 ). This seems particularly true for card games (Barnes, 2020 ; Franklin et al, 2003 ), including trump card games (Chiotaki & Karpouzis, 2020 ; Spandler, 2016 ) where players become familiar with the information on the cards.…”