Game-based learning is a teaching strategy that uses games to teach to help students learn. Students play games instead of just reading or listening to learn a topic. Game-based learning happens inside a game framework where we have clear lessons to teach and can see how well they’re learned. Educational games make learning fun and engaging. Examples of game-based learning include hybrid games, review games, and role-playing games. Review games are especially useful for going over what they’ve already learned. They come with challenges and rewards, helping students remember better. This method can be used for many subjects like math, history, or science.
Game-Based Learning Examples
Simulation Games
Simulations mimic real-world processes or situations on a computer. In classrooms, teachers use them to demonstrate complex systems or events, like weather patterns or economic models. These tools offer students a risk-free environment to explore, experiment, and see the consequences of their actions, making abstract concepts tangible.
Hybrid
Hybrid games combine elements of board games with digital components. In classrooms, they offer a mix of tactile and digital experiences. A game might have a physical board, but use a tablet for certain actions. This blend can engage diverse learners, leveraging the benefits of both traditional and digital game mechanics.
Digital
Digital games are played on devices like computers, tablets, or phones. Educational digital games can cover topics from math to languages. For example, “Duolingo” uses game mechanics to teach languages. They’re popular in classrooms because they’re easily accessible, can adjust to individual learning paces, and can offer instant feedback.
Review Games
Review games, like “Classroom Jeopardy!” or “Mystery Box,” are designed to help students review and reinforce what they’ve learned. In classrooms, teachers use them to make revision sessions interactive and competitive. These games increase engagement and retention by turning reviews into a fun challenge.
Card Games
Card games use a deck of cards with rules for play. Educational card games might teach math skills, vocabulary, or historical events. In classrooms, they offer a hands-on, interactive way to learn. Games like “Math Flash Cards” can make practicing arithmetic fun and competitive.
Board Games
Board games are physical games played on a board. Learning with educational board games can reinforce subjects such as history, strategy, or math. Games like “Risk” can teach about strategy and geopolitics, while “Scrabble” enhances vocabulary. They promote critical thinking, teamwork, and patience among students.
Word Games
Word games are great for language learning. They focus on vocabulary, spelling, and language skills. “Boggle” or “Scrabble” are examples that are used in classrooms to enhance vocabulary and spelling skills. They challenge students to think quickly, build a rich vocabulary, and understand word structures.
Role Playing Games
Role Playing Games (RPGs) have players assume roles of characters in fictional settings. Educators can teach subjects like history by having students role-play as historical figures. Through RPGs, students can learn empathy and decision-making and delve deeper into subjects by “living” them.
Pros and Cons of Game-based Learning
The effectiveness of game-based learning can vary based on the design of the game, its implementation in the curriculum, and the specific learning objectives being targeted.
Pros:
- Enhances problem-solving skills.
- Bolsters critical thinking.
- Increases student engagement and motivation.
- Offers situational learning.
- Beneficial for special education needs.
- Facilitates instant feedback.
- Promotes teamwork and collaboration.
Cons:
- Might lead to distractions if not well-designed.
- Can be time-consuming to implement.
- May exclude students without access to technology.
- Some games might not align with curriculum standards.
- Potential for over-reliance, diminishing traditional learning methods.
- Learning objectives might be overshadowed by entertainment aspects.
- Requires training for educators to use effectively.
Game-Based Learning vs. Gamification
Both Game-Based Learning (GBL) and Gamification leverage the motivational and engaging elements of games. In GBL, the learning process is driven by the gameplay. Gamification adds game elements to traditional learning activities. Both are teaching strategies to enhance the learning experience, increase engagement, and improve retention of information. In essence, they both use game principles to make learning more enjoyable and effective. However, there are some differences.
Game-based Learning (GBL) is when learners use actual games to acquire knowledge or skills. Think of it like playing an educational video game that teaches math or history.
Gamification, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily involve playing a game. Instead, it’s about taking game elements from games, like points, badges, and leaderboards, and applying them to non-game situations, like in a classroom setting or a workplace training module. It’s a way to motivate and engage people by making tasks more game-like.
Neither Game-Based Learning nor Gamified Learning is universally “better” than the other. The best choice depends on the learning goals, audience, and context. GBL is more suitable when an immersive learning experience is desired, using actual games. Gamification, on the other hand, is great for adding game-like elements to traditional tasks to boost engagement and motivation.
Turning a Traditional Game into an Educational Game
While traditional games, like board games or card games, usually aren’t made to enhance student learning, tweaking them with a learning goal turns them into game-based learning tools. Take a deck of cards: if a teacher uses it for students to practice mental addition instead of just playing a regular card game, it becomes a learning experience within a game framework.
Turning a traditional game into an educational game involves adding learning objectives and aligning gameplay elements with those goals.
- Identify Learning Objectives: Determine what you want players (students) to learn. This could be factual knowledge, a skill, or a cognitive strategy.
- Choose the Right Game: Select a traditional game that aligns well with your learning objectives or has the potential to do so.
- Integrate Content: Modify game elements, rules, or tasks to incorporate the educational content. For example, instead of just collecting properties in Monopoly, players could answer questions related to a subject each time they purchase a property.
- Provide Feedback: Offer immediate feedback on performance. This can be through the game mechanics itself or externally (e.g., a teacher or software giving feedback).
- Align Rewards with Learning: Ensure that progress and rewards in the game are tied to the understanding or demonstration of the learning objective. For example, players might earn extra points in a word-based board game for using vocabulary words they’re currently studying.
- Test and Refine: Play the game with a few students to see if they are learning and engaged. Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
- Provide Reflection Opportunities: After gameplay, engage students in discussions or reflections about what they’ve learned and how the game helped in the process.
The goal is to strike a balance between fun and learning. The game should be engaging enough to keep students interested while delivering educational content.
