Increase Academic Achievement

Students at Busch Middle School improved significantly on 8th-grade science test scores (MAP) in classes taught using EnTeam educational games that encourage students to study together. Students in St. Louis Public Schools as a whole improved marginally.

During the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years an 8th grade science teacher at Busch Middle School in St. Louis City, Renee Ganley, used EnTeam Games to frame science instruction for her students. She did not use the EnTeam activities during prior years; Ms. Ganley has been teaching for over ten years. 

Dr. James Gilsinan, E. Desmond Lee Professor in Collaborative Regional Education, and Rebecca Wodzak at St. Louis University made an independent evaluation of the EnTeam program using data from two groups of students:

• 157 students in 8th grade science were taught with traditional whole-class instruction and tested in 2011 and 2012 (not studying with EnTeam Games).
• 191 students in 8th grade science were taught using EnTeam Games that encourage students to study collaboratively. (studying with EnTeam Games).

While education is complex and many factors impact student performance, Dr. Gilsinan’s analysis of MAP test scores for Ms. Ganley’s students showed statistically significant increases in academic achievement when using EnTeam academic games as an instructional method.