How to Transform Your Classroom With Game-Based Learning

The modern educational system is changing rapidly, and educators must keep up or get left behind. One of the fastest-growing segments within the education industry is game-based learning, which is projected to reach over $42 billion in spending globally by 2028. 

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With its meteoric rise, game-based learning is poised to dethrone traditional learning methods. Schools and educators who embrace this teaching style can adapt more easily to long-term changes in the education landscape. 

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With that in mind, how can you incorporate a game-based learning curriculum for your students? Most importantly, how will this curriculum enhance or integrate with your existing lesson plans? Let’s look at how you can transform your classroom with game-based learning. 

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What is Game-Based Learning?

Game-based learning involves using games and gamification to help students learn and reinforce academic concepts. Instead of a lecture or a reading assignment about a specific subject, students may go through an interactive experience. Educators can use any game to teach, though video games are a popular choice. For example, a scavenger hunt where your students search for different parts of a computer hidden around the classroom, and try to assemble it together. Or, adapt the format of Jeopardy to quiz students on various topics, be it science, history, or even careers in esports. 

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What separates modern game-based learning from traditional educational games is that it’s almost all digital. With the need for today’s students to be ready for a workforce being changed by technology, it makes a lot of sense to invest in digital game-based learning. Plus, digital game-based learning makes it easy for educators and schools to use pre-existing online curricula created by subject-matter experts. 

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For example, Mastery Coding offers a variety of after-school and enrichment camps and clubs. These programs use popular video games, such as Minecraft or Rocket League, to help kids develop various skills, gain a passion for STEM, and explore various career paths in gaming and technology. 

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The Benefits of a Game-Based Learning Process 

While digital game-based learning was not as accessible in the past, it’s becoming far more widespread today. In the US, about 74 percent of teachers use digital games to enhance their lesson plans. 

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Additionally, according to a study from 2017 by the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), game-based learning showed positive improvements for both teachers and students. 

Similarly, many businesses are tapping into the benefits of game-based learning for training purposes. One example is Duolingo, a mobile app which gamifies learning a new language. Savvis a provider of IT services, uses a learning game called Merchants to help their sales team improve. There are plenty more examples too, considering companies that utilize game-based training see significant improvement in employee interactions and sales numbers. 

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The primary benefits of game-based learning include: 

• Improved Engagement - Students can often neglect subjects that aren’t “entertaining.” If a student is bored with the topic, they are less likely to retain information, no matter how vital. Game-based learning is far more engaging and can turn even the most mundane subjects into an exciting experience. 
• Better Problem-Solving Skills—Many games require players to think creatively to achieve a specific objective. Game-based learning ensures students must adapt, show perseverance, and employ critical thinking. For example, rather than memorizing trivia, students may be tested under pressure when a timer is imposed that gets extended with each correct answer. Alternatively, students might have to adapt as they climb a gamified skill tree, and the rules of the game change as they progress through a class. 
• Team Building and Collaboration - Social skills are just as vital for students as they’ll need them throughout their academic and professional careers. Many games sort players into teams so that students must work together to achieve a common goal. Collaboration is essential for success. 
• Improved Communication - Students may often have trouble opening up and communicating in a classroom setting. Game-based learning and games in general, help break down barriers and encourage students to interact and communicate with each other more effectively. 
• Simplifying Complex Topics - One of the main advantages of game-based learning is that it can help teach complicated subjects like science, math, and technology. STEM and game-based learning go hand in hand, as these games can make complex ideas easier to understand and digest. 

How Game-Based Learning is Effective for Student Engagement

Student engagement is often a primary objective of game-based learning curricula. But how exactly do these games encourage student engagement? 

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There are a few different methods, and not all games are equally engaging to each student. For example, some students may enjoy tactical and strategy games more than those that are a bit more open-ended. 

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Here are the basic tenets of game-based learning and how they stimulate positive student interactions. 

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Challenges and Rewards

As a rule, when something is challenging, it’s more engaging. A game or task can get boring quickly when it is too easy. Conversely, if a task or game is too hard, it can create disengagement. 

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So, game makers often have to straddle the line. One of the easiest ways to do this is to allow players to advance through the game as they improve their skills. This way, no one objective is too hard, and there is enough progression to keep students engaged. 

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For example, players may earn experience (XP) or points for completing different missions or levels. Over time, these points can be used to upgrade characters or materials to make it easier to advance to new levels. These types of features ensure long-term engagement by creating a system of challenges and rewards. 

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Fantasy and Imagination

The best educational games are those that capture students’ imaginations. Sometimes, this can be done through in-depth character and world design. For example, students may be able to play as animals or customize their characters with unique clothing and accessories. Other games will immerse players in alternate worlds full of lore and stories waiting to be explored.

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In other cases, creative elements can allow students to push themselves further. Rather than following a set series of tasks or levels, players can explore more of the game world and discover new challenges and opportunities. One of the best examples of an “open-world” game is Minecraft, which allows players create anything they can imagine and explore an infinite world. 

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Curiosity and Discovery

Children are naturally curious about the world around them. Game-based learning can leverage that curiosity to spur engagement. By breaking down complex topics into smaller challenges or quests, students will naturally want to discover more and advance to the next stage. 

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For example, students may learn the basics of programming through “if/then” statements. Once they master those, they can move on to more complex programming options. Over time, students can refine and develop their skills until they can create a fully functional app for their smartphone or computer. 

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The best part of game-based learning is that educators can customize their lesson plans to fit their subject. Curriculum designers create these educational experiences based on specific objectives, ensuring that students are not only engaged but learning along the way. 

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How to Integrate Game-Based Learning In Your Classroom

Reading about game-based learning is one thing, but how can you implement a game-based learning curriculum in your classroom? Unfortunately, the process can often be easier said than done, as many educators and schools can run into obstacles like: 

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• Lack of Resources - Many schools are strapped for funding, meaning they can’t afford to invest in the right hardware or software for game-based learning. 
• Resistance - Some educators or faculty members may see game-based learning as counterproductive or lacking in education value. If these individuals are in decision-making positions, they can resist the adoption of game-based curricula. 
• Lack of Assistance - Teachers may not know where to turn to get game-based learning examples into their classrooms. So, despite interest and engagement, the program may have trouble getting off the ground. 

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Thankfully, you don’t have to struggle to incorporate game-based learning. Here are some basic steps to build a comprehensive and engaging curriculum. 

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Step One: Gauge Interest

First, you want to see how many students and educators are on board with the idea of game-based learning. If necessary, you can show specific examples of games and discuss how they can improve your lesson plans. You can also reference existing courses, such as GamerMath by Mastery Coding, which uses today’s most popular video games to reinforce standards-based math. 

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From there, you can determine the scope of your new program. If only a handful of people are interested, you can start small and pioneer game-based learning in your classroom. If other teachers are showing interest, you may want to get help and get decision-maker buy in before putting in too much time. 

Step Two: Find a Game-Based Learning Program

Fortunately, you don’t have to build a curriculum from scratch. The team of educators at Mastery Coding has a variety of standards-based curricula that harness the power of game-based learning. With after-school enrichment materials that reinforce ELA skills in Minecraft, to Academic Esports courses that have students exploring careers in STEM, and computer science curriculum that results in industry certifications, Mastery Coding supports students and educators from Elementary to high school.

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You can schedule a demo to see how it works and get a 14 day demo of any of the courses. This way, you can see if Mastery Coding’s programs are a good fit for your classroom. 

Step Three: Start Small

Rather than setting up game-based learning in every classroom, you can start with one class and see how it goes. As students and teachers adapt to the program, you can expand it accordingly. 

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Develop a Better Learning Process With Gamification

As we conclude this article, we hope the reader feels confident game-based learning can have a positive effect on both their students and classroom. Best of all, you don’t have to do it alone. By working with Mastery Coding, you can start utilizing game-based learning examples sooner than you might think. 

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Contact us today and see how gamification can increase student engagement and help students succeed in a world being changes by technology.

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