Student Motivation Boosted by Game-Based Learning

The modern world of education is gradually experiencing a departure from the traditional paradigms of educational practices, which are replaced with new elements designed for encouraging students to learn actively. Among such approaches that have received a wide range of attention over the recent past is the game-based learning (GBL) model. This method involves the use of some features of games in the content that is to be taught to the students, which is becoming very effective in enhancing the motivation towards learning and general achievement.

To a certain extent, the Title is ‘The Rise of Game-Based Learning’.

There is probably no person who has not heard about game-based learning. However, its use in formal education systems has risen in popularity in the recent past. Thanks to the spread of computer technology and the presence of gaming consoles, educators are now more capable of implementing game elements in their teaching tools than ever before. The consequence is an atmosphere in the learning process that differs positively and is closer to the concerns and behaviors of learners in the current world.

In this article, one will be able to find out how game-based learning enhances motivation.

Interactive and Engaging Content:

This should not be a surprise given the fact that a conventional classroom only poses a challenge in capturing students’ attention, especially where one is in a class that is considered to be hard or boring. Challenge, reward, and feedback elements that are implemented in game-based learning change these subjects as they become interactive rather than didactic. These components keep students busy as well as active in learning thus the fact that learning cannot be compared with doing chores.

Sense of Achievement:

As with many activities across the world, games are made to offer satisfaction. This is through well defined objectives, interim goals as well as the phased increase in levels of difficulty. This, when formulated into education, enables the students to gain such a feeling of accomplishment. Finishing a level or solving some large question in game-based learning can lead to increased self-esteem of student and readiness to solve one or another challenging problem.

Personalized Learning Paths:

E-learning games are also known to address the learning needs of the students by personalizing game-based learning environments. What these platforms do is that they make sure that students are not bored by presenting them with very easy materials to do and also make sure that the student does not feel pressured doing very difficult materials. This approach ensures that the students are motivated as they learn at their potential level of difficulty where they can actually complete tasks challenging them.

Collaborative Learning:

Some of the learning games which are used in classroom setting promote learning in groups. In the process of completing a puzzle or playing an educational game, such as a game of 20 questions with another, students have an opportunity to learn important interpersonal as well as group dynamics. This collaborative aspect brings out the issue of togetherness and belonging, hence increasing the level of tuitor display and engagement.

Summative Assessments:

It’s highly recommended to focus on formative or, interim, and continuous assessments.
Another interesting benefit to be greatly derived from game-based learning is that of feedback. In a traditional classroom, learners may take days or even weeks to be able to receive any feedback on their assignments. On the other hand, the LobG-based learning environments are able to give learners immediate feedback on right and wrong answers, and thus, the mistake feedback is immediate. This iterative learning mechanism keeps the students motivated by allowing them to get instant feedback of the efforts they have made and correct if necessary.

The implication for the classroom learning results.

It becomes clear that there are motivational advantages that can be harvested in playing a game in learning. A number of empirical evidences have pointed out that the motivational factor does enhance the performance of the student in terms of learning achievement. They are more likely to stay focused on their tasks and studies, to undertake tough tasks willingly, and to pass the content delivered to them with efficiency. Since the subject taught through the Game-based learning model involves making education more fun and engaging, such motivational factors are enhanced. Hence, the overall result will be better grades.

Challenges and Considerations:

Game-based learning, like all the other practices, has its advantages as well as its shortcomings. Proper integration of GBL entails a good planning process and the knowledge of learning objectives as well as game development paradigms. Teachers have to be careful as far as the choice of games is concerned so that in addition to being enjoyable, they also fulfill instructional goals and targets.

Also, there is the problem of access. Although game-based learning has been seen as an effective method of learning there are challenges whereby not all students are able to access the necessary technology for the game based learning. This means that schools, as well as educators, should make efforts to rectify the current existent disparities in order to facilitate the achievement of this kind of learning model.

In conclusion, Game-based learning is a concept that has shifted the strategies of learning paradigms in a very productive and motivational manner. When applying the properties of a game to educational content, tutors can design environments that are not only more fun but more meaningful for the learners. It was also found out that as the world changes and progresses, game-based learning is set to be one of the major driving forces in the future of education.