Analysis of the effects of a game-based review system integrated with the hierarchy of learning on learning outcomes in an elementary social science course

Social science education aims to enable people to acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to lead a normal social life. However, social science is often neglected in basic education compared with languages and mathematics, thus affecting students' learning motivation and achievements. In this study, a digital game-based review system was designed for fourth-grade students in Taiwan taking a social science course. The students could review the unit content through the completion of game tasks. The concepts of the forgetting curve, hierarchy of learning, and formative assessment were incorporated into the game design to solidify memory and optimize learning effectiveness. The effects of the game on learning effectiveness, motivation, attitude, and interest were investigated, and learning behavior patterns were assessed through lag sequential analysis. The findings may serve as a reference for improving elementary school social science education.