“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap! The job’s a game!” -Mary Poppins
While the idea of gamification wasn’t trademarked by the practically perfect, parrot-umbrella-wielding nanny, she did do an excellent job of putting the basics of the idea in song. The heart of gamification is to engage young learners in a way that makes their work fun.
Today’s young learners are surrounded with opportunities for engagement, which can actually cause them to disengage more easily. Technology, with all of its benefits, has also brought challenges to the modern classroom. Children have grown used to having instant entertainment at their fingertips.
Most families admit that there is a TV or tablet in use more often than not in the home. Brightly animated shows have become the background to family home life, allowing children to engage and disengage at will. The result? Attention spans in both children and adults are shorter than ever before. Teaching methods that once held the attention of students now fall short in capturing and maintaining the young mind.
The solution? Gamification.
What is Gamification?
Gamification is a method of teaching that pairs the educational content of school with various elements of games. In classrooms across the globe, this engaging new technique is becoming increasingly common. Our teachers have found that gamification in elementary education has helped students find a love for learning while maintaining classroom engagement.
In gamification, various elements of games are incorporated into the classroom context. By using point systems, classroom teams, leaderboards, prizes, and badges, students are able to level up their learning experience. Not to be confused with educational games, gamification weaves game-like systems throughout the entire learning process. Normal classroom activities, teaching, assessments, and homework can be part of educational gamification in order to keep students motivated and engaged.
Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning
Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, gamification and game-based learning are two different methods of teaching. Gamification employs the basic elements of game design. However, game-based learning brings competition to the classroom. It uses educational games to teach, has rules and objectives, and is often used in correlation with gamification.
Gamification in Action
While there are many elements of gamification that can be added to the classroom routine, five components are essential:
1. Setting Goals
Just like each traditional game has a goal or finish line, gamification in the classroom depends on setting clear and attainable goals. Students must understand what they’re working toward in order to have a clear objective. Goals keep kids motivated and engaged throughout the learning process. In the classroom setting, goals may include turning in homework on time, earning a certain grade percentage, or answering at least one question aloud each day.
2. Tracking Progress
In a board game, your progress is tracked by moving a game piece along the board. It is just as important to track progress in the classroom so that students can be encouraged by how far they’ve come and remain motivated to keep up the good work.
Tracking a student’s progress can also help teachers identify areas where the student might need some additional support and instruction. Progress can be tracked through leaderboards, jars to fill with noodles or other small objects, or other visible trackers.
3. Social interaction
By fusing social interaction with the elements of gamification, learning becomes fun, interactive, and engaging. Game-based learning techniques like competitions or team-building collaborations are a great way to foster crucial communication and social skills. Students should also be encouraged to cheer one another on, celebrating successes and achievements, which will result in a more positive learning experience.
4. Reinforcement
Not only is it important to set goals, it is equally important to provide incentives for students to work towards. These might include a class pizza party, individual prizes, or extra recess. In addition, reinforcement can be given through recognition. Consider giving certificates or “shoutouts” for the class to celebrate.
5. Feedback
Finally, student growth requires frequent feedback. Teachers should keep students in the loop with progress updates. This personalization helps students remain motivated to achieve goals and do their best.
Benefits of Gamification in the Classroom
The research into gamification and how best to utilize it in the classroom is ongoing, but recent studies have found that gamification provides the following benefits:
- Increased motivation
- Increased engagement
- Development of social and communication skills
- Development of problem-solving skills
- Development of critical thinking
- Improved retention
- Individualized learning
Gamification is no mere classroom trend; it is a game-changer to a student’s educational experience. If teachers are to effectively reach today’s learners, they must use creative methods to motivate and engage their students. Even in the daily routine of school, there can be an “element of fun.” Gamification allows students to find the fun in learning, give and receive peer support, and celebrate their achievements for a positive and effective educational experience. Game on!
Looking for a Christian private school here in Atlanta that will accelerate your child’s learning while making them excited to go to school each day? Contact Academy of Scholars for a free tour.
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Infographic
Gamification is a teaching method that blends educational content with game elements, gaining popularity in classrooms worldwide. While many elements can be included, five key components are essential. Learn more in the infographic.
