Gamification in education: 5 tips to successfully gamify your classroom
Not to be mistaken with Esports, gamification in education is all about applying gaming dynamics in the classroom to improve learning and enhance students’ skills and performance.
In fact, it helps instil crucial skills such as collaboration, critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Plus, it fosters engagement, increases motivation and interest in certain subjects and offers immediate feedback to pupils.
Curious to learn more? Read on!
The neuroscience behind gamification in education
What makes gamification so effective? The answer is in neuroscience. Several experts have studied gaming systems applied to different fields – from learning to business training.
As a result, gamification in education statistics proven that brain-wise, gamification increases a feeling of motivation and enjoyment through dopamine release and hippocampus stimulation.
As for the benefits of gamification in the classroom, there are plenty. Firstly, playing keeps the brain healthy by training memory and attention and preventing cognitive decline. Secondly, it relies on emotions, which makes learning retention more effective. Finally, gamification’s storytelling-dynamic helps students process information without boring them with lists of notions.
Learn how to gamify your classroom
Now that you know a little more about how gamification works, let’s put it into practice. Here are some basic strategies to help you out.
1. Set up a point system and start assigning points for completing tasks
If integrated with class activities, point systems allow students to visualise their progress and encourage their motivation!
2. Promote healthy competition with leaderboards
Creating competition among peers is a great way to improve performance. What’s more, you can create more than one leaderboard based on different achievements.
By doing so, you will promote various types of skills and make things more inclusive for all students.
3. Assign badges & awards
Reward-based systems are excellent to show your class that you value effort and hard work. For instance, you can create a criterion based on points and assign badges. Or even term-end awards.
4. Create a mission with an objective
Unleash your creativity! Use apps like Google Slides and create a quest where students need to unlock objectives to move forward. For example, you can create a cross-curricular mission that includes Maths, reading and science, and put a badge on the line!
5. Go full boss mode
As classic video games taught us, every level ends with a boss battle. So, are you ready to take up the mantle at the end of point 4’s quest? Prepare a list of more challenging questions and ask your students to answer with a time limit. You can even split your pupils into teams and let them cooperate to win.
What’s your take on gamification?
If you have any previous experience with gamified learning, let us know on our social media and Teachers Community.
Finally, don’t forget that you don’t need to necessarily invest in third-party software to help you out with your gamification project. For instance, you can use Google apps like Classroom, Forms or Read Aloud paired with your Acer Chromebook!
Would you like to learn more about Acer devices and solutions for schools? Get in touch with our EdTech experts: acerforeducation.emea@acer.com