Do you enjoy playing games with your family and friends? Do you stay entertained and concentrated when a game is in front of you? Games can create playful situations that encourage eagerness and the willingness to complete a task, mission, or goal.
The Gamification Theory suggests that by bringing game-like experiences into the classroom, teachers and students will have a more engaging and productive schooling experience. Many education systems have started to incorporate game-like elements in a classroom setting for more proactive engagement and to provide alternative ways of teaching. Let’s take a closer look into what gamification is and how it can be applied to the classroom –
What is Gamification?
Gamification refers to the use of game design elements in non-game contexts. In recent years, gamification has become increasingly popular in educational programming. By incorporating game elements into education, gamification aims to make learning more engaging, enjoyable, and effective. In this essay, I will explore the concept of gamification in educational programming, its benefits, and some examples of successful implementations.
How Can it Be Applied in Education?
The school setting can be challenging for some students, whether that be sitting at a desk for several hours or the lessons not being engaging nor collaborative with classmates. Many students need alternative ways to stay focused while still learning. By making the challenging aspects of school more fun, the classroom can become a productive, yet manageable setting for all! Think of scenarios during your typical day – would you rather bring excitement, motivation, and productivity into one? So, why not bring this theory into the classroom as well?
Intent of Gamification
The goal of gamification is not to have one winner. Rather, students are more likely to invest their time outside the classroom to be prepared for class, improving of knowledge of topics. This theory is important because all students are working to better their mastery of topics and have a better sense of self-accomplishment. The focus is not on who wins, rather it is on learning, mastery, and self-directed learning.
What Are the Benefits of Gamification?
One of the key benefits of gamification in educational programming is its ability to increase student participation. When students are engaged in a game-like experience, they are more likely to actively participate and remain focused on the task at hand. Additionally, by providing immediate feedback and rewards for correct answers or progress, students are able to see the impact of their efforts and feel a sense of accomplishment, further motivating them to continue learning.
Gamification can also improve the retention of information. Studies have shown that the use of game elements such as repetition, feedback, and visual cues can help students remember information more effectively. For example, a student may remember a vocabulary word better if they see a visual representation of it in a game, rather than just reading it in a textbook. By providing multiple opportunities to practice and reinforce concepts through a game-based approach, educational programming can help students retain information more effectively.
Another benefit of gamification in educational programming is that it can help students develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Many games require players to work together to solve challenges, and by incorporating these elements into educational programming, students can develop these skills in a fun and engaging way.
Is the Classroom a Good Setting for Gamification?
70% of surveyed teachers said there was increased engagement when game-elements were implemented into their lessons plans. By using a reward system in concurrence with game-elements in the classroom, students have a tangible goal to obtain. By creating an enthusiastic learning environment and a way to provide instant feedback, gamification can lead to student success!
Here at PALCS, we strive to incorporate differentiated teaching instruction into the classroom. Sometimes, this includes gamification. To learn more about PALCS, visit our website and apply today!
