Educational games - how to introduce them in the classroom
To introduce educational games in the classroom, certain steps must be followed. In today's article, we'll look at how to start integrating
To introduce educational games in the classroom, certain steps must be followed. In today's article, we'll look at how to start integrating games and activities into children's learning.
Educational games are becoming more and more popular in the teaching process, from an early age. Games and activities are a fundamental part of children's development in many cultures around the world. The more serious learning becomes as a child ages, the more playfulness they have to have in order to adapt to a certain level of learning.
We have talked many times about the importance of games in the learning and development of a child. But now we want to talk about how to use such methods to diversify the educational process in the school environment.
There are many different pedagogical methods and opinions about what educational games should be introduced. That is why we have selected a few specific steps that you can take to introduce fun activities that allow children to learn through play.
Learning games in the classroom: evaluate your students
Identify problems and weaknesses
Identifying students' problems or weaknesses is extremely helpful in determining the best strategies for incorporating play into the classroom. For example, if you find your students getting bored and chatting, or distracted during a PowerPoint presentation, you can add some interactive elements.
You can set up a kind of "open world" of learning where children can choose their own path. To do this, you can add an option at the bottom of each slide that allows students to choose what they want to learn first.
Perform a class analysis
Teachers and professors should analyze each class before working with their students. In this way, they can determine the best way to motivate them and the potential of their students.
The intention should always be to understand and learn about the games your students usually play. You can then base the introduction of their educational counterparts in your classroom based on your students' skills and interests.
Define learning goals by promoting games in the classroom
To introduce learning games, you need to establish well-defined learning goals. In addition, these goals must include behavioral goals or a curriculum that helps students understand concepts and develop specific skills.
Steps to take before upgrading your classroom activities
One example would be the setting of a specific learning goal aimed at acquiring a specific skill by students within a specified time limit. The behavioral goal would be to focus on encouraging students to focus their attention in the class over a certain period of time.
Must Read: Depression “ You Can Overcome It!
Students may not necessarily be aware of these goals, but identifying them will help you steer the game.
Create structure and plan action - learning games in the classroom
Create a new grading system
Many students find the grading system the most annoying part of the school experience. For this reason, the introduction of games in the classroom may mean a change in the way the points system is presented. At this point, the emphasis should be on student progress rather than mistakes.
Therefore, when it comes to tests and tasks, you can evaluate your students either traditionally or in the form of experience points (experience grading system eg XP). You can also award experience points for completing extracurricular activities, participating in class activities, or anything else the student can do to make the learning effort.
Example: a student who scored 4+ in the test can get 7,500 experience points. These points will be added to any other points earned during the semester. This way, students will have a clear baseline and know how much they have learned and achieved. Such a system will remind them of the games they play in their spare time.
The play and fun component can help students and teachers understand grading. Instead of starting with 100% and cutting error points, students will advance from zero to a certain level of XP experience points. In other words, students do not lose points, they only gain experience.
Set stages and levels
Teaching topics and units create clear divisions for teachers and professors. However, students are likely to understand them better if they see them simply passing a stage - or level - like in their favorite game. In order to get one level and move on to the next, students have to overcome certain challenges.
Steps to be followed before introducing games in the classroom
To do this, you need to define specific tasks, such as introductory assignments, that students must complete in order to advance to the next level. If students fail to complete assignments, participate in class, or complete tests, they will not be prepared to take on the challenges of the next stage.
Learning games in the classroom: having the right resources
Create an instruction and organize teams
Creating and distributing an instruction manual is a way to introduce students to a new learning mode. Manuals, both digital and material, are part of virtually every game. They explain how to play the game and progress, and contain hints and secrets.
The educational game should contain the following information, for example:
- What are the levels of the game.
- Types of tasks that students will undertake.
- New experience point grading system, including how students can earn XP.
- How to earn rewards and what types of rewards are available.
This will help students get a clear point of reference. Moreover, it tells them what they need to do to be successful in an enjoyable learning environment. Clearly defined rules are helpful in understanding the overall system.
Show your progress clearly and clearly
Show students their progress clearly. Enabling them to see what they have achieved since the start of the term is an important social component in the classroom. It helps to promote a sense of community among classmates as well as healthy competition and mobilization.
To achieve this, you can create and share a bar chart that shows each student's progress and skills. Each time a student earns points for a test or assignment, you can update the bar chart to reflect the new XP points gained.
Offer rewards and praise
To combine fun and learning in a way that attracts and motivates students, you need to think about rewards. Research shows that rewards systems in education encourage students to recognize their achievements and develop further. For example, watching a year-end film together, a trip or a book can be an attractive reward.
Steps when introducing educational games in the classroom
If you think about most modern video games, you'll see that they share a common system. Players receive trophies for completing certain tasks. The more difficult the task to complete, the more valuable the reward is.
Rewards for younger students may include, for example, small insignia, stickers, or badges that students earn for completing small specific tasks.
They may also be praised for being actively involved in the development of the topic. This encourages and motivates students to be more successful and develop further.
Applications for running games in the classroom
Introducing games and activities in the classroom is a good method of involving young learners. They are more likely to participate actively in lessons and to win rewards. They have a very natural interest in the game and automatically learn new rules and rules.
