At this point, I mean two things. First, that the game content is grounded in the research. The cards that you read throughout the game are all true scenarios that come from the peer-reviewed literature, or from newspaper articles. Second, I am in the process of collecting and analyzing data so that the game can some day be an evidence-based intervention.

Six UMBC students helped us to conduct research to understand the key components that needed to be addressed during the training session. First, we conducted a systematic review (from peer reviewed journal article) of barriers and facilitators to success for immigrant students in K-12 education, and synthesized this information into common themes using qualitative research methodologies. At the same time, we conducted a content analysis of newspaper articles regarding immigrant students to triangulate the data. Then, the research assistants helped to translate the information gained from the systematic review and content analysis into a deck of cards that facilitates the play of the board game. You can learn more about the game development by listening to the Retrieving the Social Science’s podcast here.

Second, we are actively collecting data to understand how the training may be changing the way that participants think or act as it relates to immigrants in our communities. And… the preliminary findings from the first 6 months of implementation (n=123) are encouraging! Using a pre and post test we are asking participants to reflect upon the experience and share how they feel about the experience. For example 95% of participants said their knowledge about the immigrant experience increased; 96% of participants agreed that the game/discussion was more engaging than a lecture on the topic; and 95% said their empathy increased. Starting in AY24-25 we plan to longitudinally follow some participants, and include interviews to gain better insight into the potential impact of the project. See the attachment or sub-section “What do the participants have to say about their experiences in this training session?” for more information.

Emerging: An Empathy Building Opportunity for those Working with Immigrant Students