EFFECTIVENESS OF SIMULATION GAME-BASED LEARNING IN IMPROVING HAZARD IDENTIFICATION KNOWLEDGE OF CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS

Abstract

The construction industry is always deemed the most dangerous industry, often with the highest percentage of workplace injuries and deaths compared to other industries. Researchers suggested that hazard identification is the first important process and basis for good safety management and to maintain a safe construction site. Following advancement in technology, game-based learning is becoming popular as educational tools to enhance traditional lecture-based teaching methods. Past research have shown improvement in learner’s results after adopting such educational tools to teach or train learners, providing motivation to carry out this study. This study makes reference to Dr Herrington’s authentic learning framework. A construction simulation game, SafeSim Hazards, is used to train workers on hazard identification. Quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design is adopted to test effectiveness of simulation game-based learning in improving hazard identification skills of construction workers with supervisory roles. Results showed significant improvement in hazard identification skills of the construction supervisors. However, knowledge retention after two months was not statistically significant. It is noted that such training tool cannot fully replace the conventional lecture-based safety courses, but it may be a useful supplement to current safety courses.