Gaming in the Classroom

The concept of hands-on learning is not a new one, however adjusting to the idea that when your students are playing PokemonGo they could be meeting objectives might be.  Using games (board games, online games, apps) to teach students is a concept that will engage your students in a way that more traditional classroom games (math war, Oregon Trail) have in the past.

Common Sense Media discusses three strategies for using games in your classroom:

1. Use the games your students already play.

Start with the games your students (and you!) already like playing. Use after-school

play as a litmus test for engagement, and consider titles with the potential to drive

deep, critical thinking.

2. Treat games like experiences, not instruction.

Prep just like you would for a field trip or film screening. Set some context, then explore

with your students. Resist the urge to offer instruction too soon; help students reflect

and unpack the experience afterward. Even if students stray off course, that’s bound to

bring opportunities for great learning. Also, don’t forget about board games! Find what

works best for you.

3. Use inaccuracies to drive inquiry.

Many games come with inaccuracies, if not exaggerations or metaphors. Use these to

your advantage! As students play, help them see any inaccuracy as a learning

opportunity. Have students keep track of what doesn’t seem right, then follow up with

research comparing the game’s point of view.

So what board games should you use and to teach what?  These are fairly obvious, but it will get your mind thinking about other games you and your students might already enjoy playing.

Monopoly:  Money and Finances

Risk: Geography and Probability

Clue: Hypotheses, Logic, and Reasoning

Scrabble: Words (Linguistics and definitions)

Chess: War and Politics

But don't stop at board games.  Think XBox, Playstation, Wii, and games on your students' phones. I mean, Candy Crush and Grand Theft Auto have to teach us something, right?  And you know they are already playing such games!

Read about Edutopia's strategies for using games in the classroom and several recommended games to use.