Reasons Teachers Should Use Game Based Learning

Reasons Teachers Should Use Game Based Learning

I think teachers should use game based learning.  You might think you should use it too, but you just never had a clear reason as to why. Well, here are five clear reasons why you should use this technique.

• First Reason: Getting the Students’ Attention – Every lesson plan should begin with an “Anticipatory Set” according to Dr. Madelyn Hunter’s research on teacher methodology. This “Anticipatory Set” is an important part of a lesson designed to “grab” the attention of the students. The idea of playing a game will certainly grab their attention because of their willingness to play.

• Second Reason: Games Aren’t Boring – Since students usually do not find games to be boring, they will develop a positive attitude about learning and be encouraged to keep learning.

• Third Reason: Checking for Understanding – Another important part of Hunter’s lesson plan is “Checking for Understanding”. Games designed where the students’ knowledge is the key to winning will illustrate to the students as well as the teacher their understanding of the lesson objectives.

• Fourth Reason: Guided and Independent Practice – Two significant parts of Hunter’s lesson plan are guided practice and independent practice. Games provide guided practice by giving students immediate reinforcement for correct answers or immediate corrections to errors. In addition, independent practice is provided by games by allowing the students to reinforce as well as consolidate their knowledge while being rewarded for their achievements.

• Fifth Reason: Learn Through Trial and Error – A safe environment is also provided by games that allows students to learn through mistakes by using trial and error.

According to Ed Tech Magazine, "New Games Could Help Students Become Better Learners".