The education sector is now transforming and making the processes seamless, personalized, and engaging. Both tutors and students can now enjoy an interactive and active learning environment, thanks to the integration of game-based learning in classrooms.
While the adoption of gamification in learning can be challenging to some extent, the same concept brings a lot of benefits, especially to students. In fact, it is possible for another expert to do my physics homework for me as they embrace their hobby in different gaming activities. That is why, in this guide, we explore strategies for integrating game-based learning in classrooms and the varied impacts game-based learning has on students.
What is the importance of game-based learning to students?
Even though many may perceive gaming as a distractive activity, game-based learning has a wide range of benefits, including the following:
Stimulates imagination
Through game-based learning, students and tutors can visualize 3D objects in real-time, thus stimulating their imaginations.
This, therefore, makes learning real, contextual, and relevant according to the topic of the subject. Students can then integrate their imaginations through the virtual world to enjoy a fun and interactive learning environment. This,in turn, fosters a deeper understanding of the concept and enhanced information retention rate.
Simplifying complex concepts
Some concepts or subjects are quite complex. Asa result, educators often have a hard time teaching and interpreting the concepts to students. However, through game-based earning, it is easy to explain such concepts.
Simulated diagrams, for instance, help teachers showcase different parts of an object. 3D dimensions, on the other hand, enable teachers to explain an object from different angles, thus fostering an understanding of the whole concept.
Enhances collaborative learning
Game-based learning fosters real-world scenarios. As a result, the teams are encouraged to collaborate effectively through discussions and implementation of processes involved in game-based learning. A collaborative learning environment enhances concentration andactive participation, which in turn enhances the overall learning experience.
Digital literacy
Game-based learning motivates students to explore different technologies and the use of varied tech devicesduring the learning process. This equipsstudents with digital skillsandknowledge, which are crucial in today’s high-tech world, especially in life after school.
Improved memory retention
Game-based learning creates an active learning environment where students get a chance to interact with real-life events, objects, and scenarios. Such virtual images and objects improvethe memory of students.
How to Integrate Game-Based Learning into the Classroom: Steps to Follow
It is now evident that game-based learning plays a key role in a student’s life. In fact, both teachers and students enjoy seamless teaching and learning experiences thanks to game-based learning ideas. Below are the steps to follow when integrating game-based learning in a class setting:
Define the aim of the game-based learning approach
Game-based learning has varied roles depending on the subject or topic. That is why you should first of all establish the main reason why you want to integrate game-based learning in a classroom. The purposes of game-based learning can be the following:
- Reinforcement– This includes the entire class playing a game to reinforce the curriculum content.
- Enrichment– Especially when teaching a complex subject or topic, it can be hard to drive thepoint home. Therefore, game-based learning can enhance the presentation of ideas in different dimensions to foster understanding and enrich students with adequate knowledge about the context.
- Intervention–Sometimes, some students experience difficulty in comprehending a concept depending on the teaching methods applied. Therefore, to square out the problem, teachers can select an appropriate game-based learning method that will align with the student’s preferred methods. In the end, students will comprehend even the complex context, thus promoting equality among students.
Once you define the purpose of game-based learning approaches, you can then select a game that will suit both the teacher and the students, thus making the whole processseamless.
Try out the game before integrating it into the classroom
Once you determine the appropriate game that will meet the objectives, play the game to determine the following:
- The ability to control the game as a teacher
- Ease of use
- Engagement level
- Content type
- Game levels
These elements will help you establish if the game is appropriate for teaching and if you should continue with it or change it.
Parents should be aware
Next, you will need to reach out to fellow teachers and other education stakeholders in the school, letting them know about the game-based learning you are planning. Don’t forget to extend the same efforts to parents, too.
You can communicate to parents through emails, diaries, or any other appropriate method, explaining the game-based learning plans and the positive impacts it has on the overall learning experiences.
This step is crucial asit will foster a smooth transition of the processes involved.
Integrate game-based learning in the classroom.
At this point, you can now plan and schedule appropriate time to encourage students to adopt the new game-based learning method.
Depending on the game you selected, you can dedicate some time to teaching about the use of game devices. However, if you have a shortage of devices, you can focus more on non-digital games that don’t require smart gadgets as you adapt to the digital ones smoothly.
Track the progress
Finally, after integrating game-based learning in a classroom, you should track the progress to determine if the idea is productive or not. You can track the progress by asking for feedback through the following strategies:
Self-Reports – Depending on the game type, you can ask students about their progress and track the effectiveness of individual student’s performance. You can create spreadsheets for individual students and ask them to fill in the updates about their progress.
In-Game Reports– Again, if the game-based learning method you selected has the option to track and record student’s progress, you can use the reports to analyze the significance and impact of the method if it is productive or not.
Class Discussions– In the case of team games, you can group students, then collect feedback based on each group and analyze the significance of the game in learning.
Conclusion
Gaming is transforming the education sector. Both teachers and students can now enjoy a smooth and seamless learning environment. This results in a productive learning environment, which in turn improves the overall performance.
