Game Based Learning (GBL) is a teaching strategy that appeals to all types of students in that it connects game play, an activity that students typically engage with for enjoyment, with content learning. This instructional approach can be applied to all types of games, such as role-playing games, board games, card games and even scavenger hunts.
- Studies have demonstrated that games create intrinsic motivation for learners (Tierney, Ragusa, Corwin & Fullerton, 2013)
- Games that make learning integral to scoring and winning are the most effective teaching tools.
- Students of all ages can benefit from game based learning and learning groups that are heterogeneous in terms of skills sets benefit from games for learning
Create a game that makes learning central to scoring and creates a friendly competition for learning.
- Games based learning is often more engaging and a more effective teaching strategy than traditional course lectures.
- Games have immediate rewards and provide students immediate feedback on what they know and understand. Research has indicated that the quicker students see results, the more motivation students have (Corwin, Danielson, Ragusa & Tierney, 2016).
- Game based learning is primarily stress-free; and , losing a game is a nice practice situation without real life consequences, unlike a test or homework.
- Moderate competition in a game provides students with motivation to win and therefore, learn.