Game-based Learning and Its Pedagogical Value

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Game-based learning supports such pedagogical principle as individualization: the level of the game is tailored on the basis of the player's abilities, feedback: immediate and contextualized feedback is supplied during the game session and active learning: the game engages the player in active discovery. It combines the fun of games with specific learning goals and encourages children to use their own initiative to think through possible solutions.

Using games in learning can foster healthy competition between students. Computer games are one of the most popular activities among children today and such learning increases learner engagement and the motivation to succeed. Game-based learning often includes competitive elements or an interactive storyline to engage students.  Game-based learning and gamification both involve using games for educational purposes. However, there are subtle differences between them.

Gamification uses game elements to complement traditional learning methods. These can include:

• Leaderboards
• Points systems
• Achievement badges

Game-based learning consists of activities or games that are designed to be the learning experience. For example, children can learn Spanish words by playing an adapted game of Bingo. 

Benefits of game-based learning are as follows: Helps with problem-solving

Game-based learning encourages children to find solutions to problems as they arise. They also foster skills that children can use in real-life situations, such as teamwork and decision-making.

Develops critical thinking skills: Studies show that game-based learning can significantly improve critical thinking skills in children. Many games encourage children to assess a situation from multiple angles and learn from their mistakes.  Increases learner engagement and intrinsic motivation: Many games involve teamwork and/or competition among students. They also encourage children to persist at a problem because there is a natural fun element to games. A 2019 study showed that games involving feedback, collaboration, and creativity significantly improved student engagement and motivation. Contributes to social learning: Game-based learning encourages children to interact with their classmates through teamwork and competition. Games are fun for children, so they are more likely to interact when compared to more traditional teaching methods. 

Some games are better than others in terms of learning ability and overall quality. At the heart of any game-based learning technique should be the 4 Cs:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical thinking

If these elements are missing, then games can simply become a form of entertainment.

Game-based learning should complement traditional teaching methods– not replace them. Game-based learning can be beneficial, but games need to be related to the educational curriculum. Many games require children to work with others and use their own ability to solve problems. However, games can become negative additions to instruction if not done correctly.

      Game-based learning is a form of active learning because children can physically get involved in the learning process. Students learn by playing a game, which can either be digital or more traditional. This method of teaching improves social skills such as collaboration and decision-making.

Game-based learning can improve problem-solving skills, critical-thinking, and creativity. Using this method, teachers give students the freedom to come up with their own solutions in a fun way. This can boost confidence and a love of learning.