In our great anxiety to teach our kids, we hunt for ‘educational’ toys, games and books that contain a message. Usually, these tools fail to do their job because they do not stimulate children’s natural curiosity. Besides, children learn best when they’re having fun, so anything that does not allow for playfulness will soon cease to be pleasurable. This may explain why your child hates doing math worksheets but will jump at chance to play sidewalk hopscotch with his friends. Both teach math – hopscotch teaches counting, addition and subtraction – but your child will invariably prefer the latter because it is FUN. So maybe it’s time to inject some FUN into education by introducing learning games into your classroom. Find out why this might just be the best idea you’ve ever had.
1. Learning games add experience to theory
Your students will be better engaged with the subject if they are allowed to do and try things on their own. Learning games encourage passive spectators to become active participants and experience the lesson in a unique and experiential way. A judicious use of learning games in the classroom also injects a healthy dose of energy in what could have been a dry and boring lesson.
2. Learning games motivate students
Studies reveal that using learning games in the classroom is often motivating and rewarding for children, especially for kids who do not perform very well. This could be because games tend to be more engaging than conventional classroom teaching methods and encourage students to be more interactive. Players are driven to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject in a competitive but friendly environment; a successful outcome makes everyone happy and an unsuccessful one only means that players are being challenged beyond their limits.
3. Learning games improve teamwork
Learning games for classrooms or groups teach players to work in teams; these are real time activities wherein success depends more on working as a cohesive team than as an individual player. This collaboration allows players to bond with their peers through shared experiences and forge strong friendships or working relationships. Team activities also underscore the importance of communication – members must use a variety of ice-breaking techniques to communicate effectively with their teammates or else they fail to achieve their shared goals.
4. Learning games bring relevance to the subject
As a teacher, you want your students to not just understand the “what” but also the “how” and the “why” of any given topic. Games allow you to present the information through a variety of ways – role play, questions, real world scenarios, timed challenges, etc. – and help students gain a real world perspective on the topic. Also, players are able to observe their own behavior and that of the other players and gain important insights in the process.
5. Learning games are evaluation opportunities
Games enable players to gain instant feedback on their performance – success or failure in a game is a good way to judge the quality of your input and take immediate corrective action. Similarly, teachers can observe students demonstrate their understanding of the topic and adjust the level or content of their teaching in subsequent classes.
As you can see, learning games are valuable learning and teaching opportunities that will help make better teachers and learners. Why don’t you try one yourself?
1. Learning games add experience to theory
Your students will be better engaged with the subject if they are allowed to do and try things on their own. Learning games encourage passive spectators to become active participants and experience the lesson in a unique and experiential way. A judicious use of learning games in the classroom also injects a healthy dose of energy in what could have been a dry and boring lesson.
2. Learning games motivate students
Studies reveal that using learning games in the classroom is often motivating and rewarding for children, especially for kids who do not perform very well. This could be because games tend to be more engaging than conventional classroom teaching methods and encourage students to be more interactive. Players are driven to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject in a competitive but friendly environment; a successful outcome makes everyone happy and an unsuccessful one only means that players are being challenged beyond their limits.
3. Learning games improve teamwork
Learning games for classrooms or groups teach players to work in teams; these are real time activities wherein success depends more on working as a cohesive team than as an individual player. This collaboration allows players to bond with their peers through shared experiences and forge strong friendships or working relationships. Team activities also underscore the importance of communication – members must use a variety of ice-breaking techniques to communicate effectively with their teammates or else they fail to achieve their shared goals.
4. Learning games bring relevance to the subject
As a teacher, you want your students to not just understand the “what” but also the “how” and the “why” of any given topic. Games allow you to present the information through a variety of ways – role play, questions, real world scenarios, timed challenges, etc. – and help students gain a real world perspective on the topic. Also, players are able to observe their own behavior and that of the other players and gain important insights in the process.
5. Learning games are evaluation opportunities
Games enable players to gain instant feedback on their performance – success or failure in a game is a good way to judge the quality of your input and take immediate corrective action. Similarly, teachers can observe students demonstrate their understanding of the topic and adjust the level or content of their teaching in subsequent classes.
As you can see, learning games are valuable learning and teaching opportunities that will help make better teachers and learners. Why don’t you try one yourself?