Game-based learning and gamification are terms that have been thrown around quite a bit lately. In game-based learning, the game itself offers the learning experience hence uses game elements to teach a specific skill or achieve a specific learning outcome. Whereas gamification involves using game design and game mechanics to enhance contexts that are not related to games. This is done by increasing engagement, competition, and loyalty. 

There are many ways to apply gamification in the classroom, like leaderboards, point systems, friendly competitions, badges, stickers and other accolades. For game-based learning it can perhaps be used to introduce a subject with game in a fun way. The objective is to engage and motivate learners to pick up new skills, or enhance existing ones.

Gamification in the Classrooms

Luckily for educators, there are several ways that gamification and  can be introduced to the classroom. Some of the ideas below can spark creativity and lead to enriching discussions. 

Awarding learners with badges – Most European and Euro-centric schools worldwide have a badge system that rewards learners for their motivation and work in and out of the classroom. For example, if a learner puts in a lot of work to finish their homework and assignments on time, they could earn points. Once they have amassed enough points, they could be given a badge. You can select how points are earned and what activities are rewarded via those points. 

Friendly competition – Try introducing a type of leaderboard into the class. Who doesn’t want to view their name at the front of the class for accomplishments? Introducing a tournament aspect can add competition to the classroom, which many learners will enjoy. 

However, try to make sure that the competitive ecosystem is non-toxic, as you don’t want learners to become disheartened when they don’t make it onto the leaderboard. 

Why Game-based Learning in Education Is a Gamechanger

In any of their forms, games can increase learner motivation by increasing their engagement, which leads to better retention, better grasp on concepts and ultimately have better learning outcomes. This is something you may already know to be supremely essential in education. We know there is a general lack of motivation in learners because of the astonishing high school and college dropout rates. These rates are high because of the flaws with the education system itself. 

To put it simply: schools are behind the times and the current situation too is not supporting the cause. Most lecturers teaching about the trends of innovation in the classroom will note the similarities between today’s classrooms and those that existed centuries ago. 

Game-based learning in the Classrooms in person or remotely

Since we have lived through a global pandemic, the class has shifted to an online platform and adjusting has been difficult. Some educators want to bring in game-based learning in their online classrooms but are not sure how. 

If you’re using a virtual classroom for online teaching, then there are a few things you can do to incorporate game-based learning. To begin, try to set missions and stages for each online teaching session. 

Then, make things collaborative and social. It doesn’t help to have the educator talk to their learners non-stop for the session’s duration. Frequently ask questions to keep the learners engaged. Finally, try to make assignments creative. 

A Company Doing Game-Based Learning Right is SplashLearn

SplashLearn’s game-based learning program is curriculum-aligned and is scientifically designed to ensure that each game is enjoyable, engaging and helps improve learning outcomes for both remote and in-person classrooms. Since the school closures, millions of students have successfully been using SplashLearn remotely. The program is built from the ground up for the digital platform, utilizing innovative digital manipulatives and interactions that help children learn as they have fun, interact and be involved with the games and solve problems. The program aims not just to help children learn in a more effective way, but also to affect a positive change in children’s mindset when it comes to learning in general.

SplashLearm’s adaptive algorithm creates a learning path for each child, but the teachers can also customize it based on the needs of the individual student. The program has a ‘teacher dashboard’ wherein teachers can monitor the progress and activity of their classroom both at the class level as well as at the individual student level. It also has a ‘parent dashboard’ where parents can see how their child is progressing. SplashLearn is available free for teachers and schools to use and it gives them access to its full suite of content library. 

Wrapping Up

There is a lot of progress to be made with game-based learning in the classroom, and it’s a great way to keep learners engaged as active participants. Like everything else, It can come with its disadvantages, but it can change the classroom for the better if it is applied correctly.