Game- Based

Learning
Advantages of using Game-Based Learning

The following are the 7 advantages of Game-Based Learning

1. Game-based learning boosts engagement. They go beyond

what Phillip Schlecty calls “strategic compliance” (high
attention but low commitment) and into a place where they
have full buy-in. Students get the opportunity to make
decisions, pursue a goal, and check their own progress.
2. The information sticks. Here, students experience higher
retention of the content. Often, the games become mental
models that students go back to in order to make sense out of
what they have learned. Also, the debrief experience connects
an often emotional, memorable experience with the content in
a way that leads to a deeper, more permanent understanding.

3. Immersive games can help students make connections

between concepts and ideas. They see learning as
interconnected. Often, we teach content in silos, with clear
objectives and direct instruction. However, with game-based
learning, students discover the content in a way that is
connective rather than linear.
4. Game-based learning bridges the abstract and the
concrete. They are fully immersive. Participants maneuver
within their environment to make sense of the information.
It’s a way to teach concepts and systems that might seem
opaque and distant in a way that is visual and experiential.

5. Information is more accessible. With game-based learning,

students at all levels can participate in the process. There’s a
low barrier of entry. Too often, we expect students to have
tons of content knowledge or a strong mastery of reading
and writing. But with a game, students get the chance to
discover the content on more of an even playing field.
6. Students engage in critical thinking. Students are making
decisions that require the analysis and synthesis. Later, they
can use the simulation to answer critical thinking questions.

7. Games can help lead to a love of learning. Games are fun.

And when students engage in game-based learning they begin
to fall in love with the subject and the content and the ideas.
They realize that it is intrinsically rewarding to geek out on
learning. And that takes them one step closer to being
lifelong learners.
Examples
of
Games
1. Addition and Subtraction Bingo

To play this game, create bingo

cards with the answers to simple
addition and/or subtraction
problems. Then, instead of reading
out numbers, read out problems
such as “7 + 3” or “5 – 2”. Students
must then mark the correct
answers to win the bingo game.
2.Action Addition and Subtraction

In this classroom game that can be played

in small groups, use an action dice and two
regular dice. You can make an action dice
yourself with sides that say things like:
– Blinks
– Claps
– Jumps
– Twists
– Toe-wiggles
– Snaps

Then, have students roll the two regular dice and the action dice. Either have
students add the two numbers together or subtract the smaller number from the
bigger number. Then, they have to perform that number of actions they rolled on
the action dice. For example if a student rolls a 2 and a 1, and they’re adding,
they’d have to do 3 jumps, blinks, or claps, etc.
3. Multiplication and Division
Bingo

To play this version of bingo,

create bingo sheets with the
answers to multiplication or
division questions. Then, read out
equations such as “6 x 9” or
“81÷9”. Students must find the
answer on their bingo sheet. The
first person to get a whole row
or column wins.
4. Home Made Board Game
In small groups, invite children
to create their own board game.
Demonstrate how to draw a snake
“road” to follow and how to draw the
squares. On each square, give them a
math problem to place on the board.
Then, provide pieces and dice and
invite them to play. Students may
also put some spaces that say “go
back 2” or “lose a turn” to keep
things interesting. Also, ask students
to decorate the game with a theme.
5. Popsicle stick Poll

Conduct a class poll in which

students answer a question such as
“what is your favorite fruit?” or
“homework is important, yes, or
no.” Then, have students place a
popsicle stick to vote for their
answer in cups labeled with the
answers. Once the poll is complete,
ask students to graph the answer.
Older students can show the
percentage of how many students
in the class voted for each answer.