Education is changing fast. Today’s classrooms are moving away from rigid, cookie-cutter teaching methods. Alongside more modern teaching approaches like differentiated instruction and project-based learning, another player has entered the chat: gamification.
If the term brings to mind clunky video games on outdated consoles, you’re not alone—and you’re not entirely off base. Today’s students are digital natives, likely playing games on phones and tablets since they could walk. Gamification taps into that digital familiarity, using game-design elements like points, badges, and leaderboards to boost engagement and motivation.
But is gamification right for your classroom or learning environment? Let’s break down how it works, what it offers, and what to watch out for.
Gamification in education refers to integrating game mechanics into the learning environment. By incorporating elements like badges, points, leaderboards, challenges, and progress bars, gamification taps into students’ familiarity with gaming to boost classroom engagement and motivation.
Here’s a deeper dive into these key components:
These elements of gamification help create an interactive and dynamic learning experience. By tapping into students’ natural desire for achievement and competition, gamification encourages students to stay motivated and accountable.
So, what kinds of improvements can you expect when you bring gamification into the classroom? According to one study, gamification can lead to an 89% increase in student performance. But that’s just the start.
Here are a few more ways gamification can transform learning:
While gamification can offer a range of benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Here are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
The type of gamification that works for first graders might not entice, say, 11th graders. Below, we explore some real-world examples of how educators can bring game elements into their classrooms at every level:
You don’t have to overhaul your teaching strategy to use gamification in your classroom. In fact, just a few gamified tweaks to your existing lesson plans can make a big difference in student participation and learning outcomes.
Here are a few best practices to get started:
Make sure students know what they’re working toward. Clear, attainable goals help students stay focused and celebrate milestones, so each step of the learning process feels purposeful.
Points can be awarded for just about anything, depending on your goals. If classroom management is your focus, dole out points for raising hands, staying on task, or helping others.
If you’re targeting mastery of a specific concept, award points for correct answers, insightful questions, or completing extension activities. The point system should reflect the behaviors and outcomes you want to reinforce.
Time limits keep students focused and add urgency. Whether it’s cleaning up or completing an activity, using a visible timer makes it easy for students to see how much time they have left. This works especially well with challenges, encouraging students to work efficiently and stay on task.
A reward doesn’t always have to be tangible. It could be a new avatar accessory, choosing the next class activity, or unlocking a bonus challenge. Make sure rewards feel exciting and age-appropriate while reinforcing learning goals.
Insert visual summary: https://apollidonlearning.box.com/s/9d79om1b52my1ljq9vw6qoavzxeht3zy
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Take the next step toward becoming a more dynamic, effective educator. Explore your graduate options at UTPB today.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1071581920300987
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