Teaching Content with Games

Who doesn’t like to play games?  Not only are games fun, interactive, and social, but they're also great tools for learning.  Research has shown that using games in the classroom has a significant effect on student learning.  When students are engaged in academic games, we can see a 20 percentile gain in achievement.

Use Inconsequential Competition When Playing Classroom Games

Using points gives students a sense of competition, but points should not be used as part of the grading process.  Students can be arranged into teams of four to play games four or five times during a unit.

Target Essential Academic Content in Game

Marzano suggests that game questions focus on the most important content within the unit.  The most efficient way to maintain an academic focus is to organize games around important terms and phrases.  The questions and answers should be phrased in such a way that they are quickly understood and quickly answered.

Debrief Information after the Game

The whole point of playing academic games in the classroom is to provide opportunities for students to examine important content in a lively and enjoyable venue.  It is important for teachers review the game and discuss which questions were difficult and which were easier - and why.  The discussion after the game is often the most important part of the project.  When students process, they increase understanding.

Have Students Revise Their Notes After Games

The analysis after the game may inspire new understanding for some students.  Giving them time to rewrite their notes ensures that they have the information needed to best understand the content.

Marzano’s research shows that if done well, games do have a significant effect on student achievement.  To learn more read the following articles:

The Art and Science of Teaching / Using Games to Enhance Student Achievement

Art and Science of Teaching / Ask Yourself: Are Students Engaged?