About the Learning Quotient (LQ)

The LearningWorks for Kids Learning Quotient (LQ) is a score we give to games and apps that reflects our judgment of how well the media balances entertainment quality with the potential for improving thinking skills and academic proficiency. The LQ is calculated by averaging a Fun Score and Brain Grade.

The Fun Score:

• Interactive Quality: This is a measure of the overall enjoyability of the experience or gameplay.

• Presentation Quality: This is a measure of the attractiveness and aesthetic quality of the art style, graphics, and sound presented in the game or app.

• Depth: This is a measure of the “size” of the game or app, which involves how long a game lasts, varied functionality of an app, amount of different layers and modes, and potential for re-use or re-playability.

The Brain Grade:

• Thinking Skills: This is a measure of how well the game or app exercises and teaches thinking skills.

• Learning Curve: This is a measure of how successfully a game or app teaches the user how to play and interact with the media. Examines how games scale in difficulty, how apps provide feedback, and how the media rewards success throughout the experience.

• Academic Skills: This is a measure of how well the game or app exercises academic skills.