Gamification is an emerging and highly regarded educational trend. It uses game elements to motivate kids to enjoy learning. A gamified pedagogy aims to provide relevance to the educational concepts by using a language that kids live- Games!!
Educational games are deployed to promote learning content for example, Class 8 Maths syllabus in an engaging way so students can connect with the content.
Games also help provide insights into a child’s learning capabilities and psyche. Some students thrive on competing with others, while for others, it’s all about bettering themselves. Teachers can use these insights to help students with their learning goals. With 97% of kids playing video games, it’s no wonder that educators are considering a gamified pedagogy. (Ryan Jenkins)
– The gamification market trend is a booming one. It is expected to reach $30.7 billion by 2025 as per Marketsand Markets.
– If we bifurcate it, estimates reveal that the Game-based learning and education market will be $24 million by 2024 (eSchool News).
– Education is one of the biggest users of gamification after retail. (growthengineering- UK)
– Statistics show that 80% of learners are comfortable with gamified practices (eLearning info)
Understanding the difference between Gamification and Game-Based Learning
Gamification and game-based learning are understood to imply the same method. Modern Learning Methods for Learning Maths use both approaches to enhance learning.
Though they are often used interchangeably, there are noticeable differences. We call it gamified learning when game elements are added to lessons and activities to make them interesting. For instance, rewards and badges can be given to students who answer correctly. Game-based learning implies learning through games. Educational content is placed within a game framework to explain the concepts to students.
– Minecraft is played by kids all across the globe and is a popular example of game-based learning.
How are Schools benefitting from Gamification?
Kids love games- there’s no doubt about that. Turning a boring lesson into a game can set the intrinsic motivation levels of kids. They enjoy the journey of discovery to search and be rewarded for their achievements. It instils healthy completion as well as enhances peer-to-peer communication. Teachers can use gamification by targeting individual students or grouping them to play against each other.
The learning process extends beyond the textbooks, and students become active participants. This makes it fun and encourages them to do better to achieve the rewards. It feels good to achieve goals and gives a sense of accomplishment. Gamification in the classroom helps learners to connect with the lesson in a fun and informal way.
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This reduces students’ pressure from peers and mentors and allows them to be more open and accepting of learning. This is because now learning is not solely focussed on rote learning text matter. It has become a game involving the use of faculties like reasoning and recalls to go further and reach a level.
It’s normal for human psychology to be good at what captures your interest. In the same way, if kids are excited about the learning process, learning maths happens automatically.
Gamification and Learning Maths
Gamification helps remove Maths Phobia
Learning Maths is not the favourite subject of many young learners. Most students dislike the maths class. Primarily, the instruction of maths leans towards traditional academic ways. In this way, it is difficult for students to grasp the complexities involved .
Gamification offers relevancy, and students can learn more about the application of maths. Understanding maths concepts and solving problems require a thorough application of mind and logical faculties. It also requires time and patience while learning maths. In a gamified environment, students do not become restless or bored and take an interest in the game while simultaneously learning the concepts and applications.
Uncomplicated Healthy Competition
Games are challenging and hence bring out many qualities in young learners who are keen to achieve them. This also leads to competing with each other to win more badges or rewards. Students identify their core strengths and weak areas and are self-motivated to improve upon them. Moreover, this competition comes with no judgements- no student was ever asked why you scored less in this game!!
Intrinsic Motivation
As humans, we all crave appreciation and recognition. It is the same with kids. Their peers and teachers appreciate them when they do better in lessons via gamification. A simple- Good Job in front of the class can do wonders and encourage a child to strive harder. In gamification lessons, students are recognised with badges etc. and these work like appreciation for the child.
That’s where gamification comes in. Gamification programs give students simple rewards, like a virtual badge. These rewards are easy (and free) and keep students motivated.
Practice makes Perfect
We all are aware that learning mathematics requires consistency and practice. Normally, students do not like to practice Class 8 maths notes repeatedly. But when it comes to games, students are keen to go up to higher levels. This makes them try again and again. This inculcates the persistence required.
Wrapping Up
Gamification promotes independent thinking and helps develop key 21st-century skills. Students learn through trial and error, adding to valuable experiences. These skills are useful not in learning maths or improving academic scores but are life skills. Developing these skills will enable young learners to have better-enriched lives as adults.
Hence, we see that the potential benefits of gamification include
Students take ownership of their learning goals
Inculcate independent and logical thinking skills.
Develop persistence and try after failure to reach the next level
Enhances intrinsic motivation
Encourages healthy completion and teamwork
Allows students to function is stress-free zone
Brings fun and joy- the intangible and yet so important benefit.