Improving Gender Disparity in Construction Education Using Educational Games

ORCID

Rokooei: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8543-653X

MSU Affiliation

College of Architecture, Art and Design; Department of Building Construction Science

Creation Date

2026-10-30

Abstract

Gender disparity in engineering education, and particularly construction programs, has been an elusive issue for decades with some recent progress being made regarding enrollment rates for female students. In the current study, it is hypothesized that educational games may remove some of the gender barriers inherent in the current engineering education environment (based on performance in a protected environment and perception of knowledge gained). Virtual Interactive Construction Education (VICE) Bridge is an educational game with a gender inclusive curriculum that introduces the construction management process using learning strategies that provide experience in an engaging and safe environment while supporting a broad range of learning styles. This study looked at the differences in performance and perception between male and female students involved in the construction simulation exercise. The main objective of this study was to determine the differences in performance and perception from the VICE educational experience based on gender in order to inform future simulation development. Survey and content data were collected and then analyzed using an experimental quantitative research design. The study found that there was no difference in actual performance nor was there a difference in participant perception of performance. Descriptive statistics indicate some differences in the increased level of interest in construction and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines resulting from their exposure to VICE.

Keywords

construction education, educational games, gender, simulation

Publication Date

2-26-2018

Publication Title

Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering

Publisher

Begell House

First Page

289

Last Page

302

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