The Role of Gamification in Education and Learning at School
Gamification refers to the process of incorporating game-like elements to enhance engagement, motivation, and participation. When talking about the relevance of gamification in education, it enhances students’ engagement and motivation in the learning process. By incorporating leaderboards, point systems, badges, and interactive challenges, teachers create a more dynamic and enjoyable environment for students.
Over the years, the popularity of gaming is soaring among children because it is transforming traditional learning into dynamic and interactive formats. Gamification in education can be beneficial for kids to learn as simple as flipping a coin to decide which movie to watch, which illustrates that games are universally appealing. The benefits of playing games are numerous as well.
Using Games in Education
No matter how small the game is or how large the game is, games are a powerful tool to motivate and facilitate learning, whether they are used to encourage a few students or all students in an entire classroom.
In terms of games in education, there are two general types:
- Incorporating entertainment games into educational settings
- The use of game design features by educators to enhance learning
To understand the first form, it is important to acknowledge it. A lot of overlaps can be found between learning a concept and playing a game. For example, consider the persistence required to beat a video game level or the immediate feedback you get when you fail.
There is evidence that even genres of games that adults usually discount, such as fast-paced action games or match-three puzzle mobile games, are beneficial in education. It is sometimes argued that rote skill-and-drill games focus on the wrong part of learning, but they often still employ characteristics such as rewards, goals, and narratives that can demonstrate learning gains.
What is Gamification in Education?
Gamification is a strategy that implements game-like elements into non-gaming activities to enhance engagement and motivation. Gamification in education means that teachers and educators apply game design elements to an educational setting with the goal of making learning more engaging for students.
Breaking the concept of a “game” down into constituent game design elements is tricky, considering how vast the differences are among, say, chess, ludo, and tag. There is a range of elements that games might have, with different players being attracted to different elements. Teachers can gamify their lessons by incorporating features like scoring, roleplaying, customisation, and rewards. An effective gamified lesson maintains learning objectives while enhancing the learning experience. Students are motivated and interested in learning through game-based learning, which reduces student-driven issues in the classroom.
Gamification Examples
At K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali, students receive in-program rewards and are delivered lessons that stay in their zone of proximal development, similar to how when playing a video game, each level is designed to be just slightly more challenging than the previous one.
Additionally, at our school, students can choose from a variety of real-world simulations and maths-focused video games and a game show-like practice board that lets them see their points accumulate. The practice adds a high-value endeavour to kids’ learning in computer science, graphic design, and storytelling.
Gamification in Learning
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to gamifying learning. Gamifying learning plays a key role in a child’s development and learning journey. Let’s explore why games are so important and how it benefits your child.
Kids Benefit From Gaming’s Cognitive Development
By using gamification to foster cognitive development, areas of the brain become more active, allowing for adequate development. Its aims to enhance cognitive function are sometimes called “brain games.” These brain games are based on questions and problems the user has to answer or solve. The brain’s ability to process and maintain information can be enhanced by playing brain games.
Physical Development Can Be Aided by it in Some Cases
Playing an interactive game can be just as effective as exercising normally. Teenagers who currently do not practise physical activity but enjoy playing video games will benefit greatly from this type of exercise. The benefits of being active are numerous in the long run.
Engages Students in the Classroom More Effectively
Using gamification in the classroom, scientists measured the level of engagement students displayed. For various class activities, the researchers assigned points. After that, the level of engagement was measured among the students. Increasing productivity in the classroom was found to be a result of the game-like environment.
Enhances Classroom Accessibility
Games can be used to educate adolescents with diverse needs through gamification. In a study of students diagnosed with autism, scientists used gamification in the form of a video game to teach them. This study found that gamification was an effective method of teaching age-appropriate content.
Gamification Isn’t Limited to the Classroom
There are many applications for gamification outside of the classroom, and it is not limited to classroom learning. If your child has maths homework, you might want to break it up into sections. When the child completes each section, he or she will level up to receive hints that will help solve a riddle.
Consider having your child create their Periodic Table using some elements as Mendeleev did with cards. Engaging your child in gamification at home is also a great way to involve them in their education.
Conclusion
The gamification of education can enhance levels of students’ engagement similar to what games can do. We can’t dismiss the importance of gamification in education as the term becomes increasingly popular. For students at all levels of education, there are many advantages to gamification in terms of making the learning process more enjoyable and engaging for them. At K.R. Mangalam World School, Vaishali, we ensure that our students gain engaging experiences and interactive learning to make learning enjoyable and meaningful for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is gamification?
Gamification is a strategy that implements game-like elements into non-gaming activities to enhance engagement and motivation.
Q2. What are two general types of gamification in education?
In terms of games in education, there are two general types:
- Incorporating entertainment games into educational settings
- The use of game design features by educators to enhance learning
Q3. How does gamification benefit students?
Gamification in education develops important life skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and many more.
Q4. What is the value of games in education?
Games in education can be used to teach various academic subjects, like Mathematics, Science, and History, as well as social skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking.