Enhancing flood evacuation behaviour through Serious Disaster Game (SDG): Flood Alert!

Abstract

Disaster education has been using a conventional module-based approach, which is only a one-way information transfer process. This research aims to develop and test the Serious Disaster Games (SDG): Flood Alert to improve flood evacuation behaviour and intrinsic motivation as measured by two indicators, namely knowledge about best evacuation practices and self-efficacy in dealing with flood emergencies. This research used a one-group pre-test–post-test design involving 45 students. The results showed that the SDG: Flood Alert effectively improved students’ knowledge and self-efficacy about flood disasters. Most students were able to respond well to actions before, during and after a flood event. Students are confident that they can effectively respond during flooding emergencies. Students with high self-efficacy tend to take protective actions in the face of disasters. The result of the intrinsic motivation assessment found that students enjoy learning by using the SDG: Flood Alert!
Contribution: This study contributed towards enhancement of students’ knowledge regarding flood disasters. It was achieved by using the SDG: Flood Alert, which is designed using experiential learning cycle theory, and provides a fun learning experience for students. The SDG: Flood Alert has the potential to be used as a flood disaster learning media for students in flood-prone areas.