Author(s): Varsha P Garule and Sanyogita V Deshmukh

Abstract:
The present study investigates the effectiveness of a modified Snake and Ladder game as an educational tool to enhance dietary knowledge among secondary school students. The study involved 80 students, divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group participated in sessions involving the specially designed Snakes and Ladders game incorporating dietary concepts, while the control group received education by traditional methods. Control and Experimental group measured the level of dietary knowledge. Statistical analysis revealed that the experimental group showed significantly higher mean scores across all aspects, with t-values significant at 0.01 and 0.05 levels. Students demonstrated substantial improvement in understanding healthy eating habits, balanced diet composition, importance of fruits and vegetables, adequate water intake, selection of whole grains and effects of junk foods, they also exhibited enhanced awareness of unhealthy fats, excessive sugars, highly salted foods, and ultra-processed foods. The findings confirm that game-based nutrition education is highly effective in promoting conceptual understanding, engagement, and retention of nutrition knowledge. The interactive nature of the Snake and Ladder game encouraged active participation, peer learning, and can promote real-life application of healthy dietary practices.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/23957476.2025.v11.i3f.2019