Teaching Games: An Evaluation of their Effectiveness in Education
The use of teaching games in education has been increasing in popularity in recent years due to the potential for increased engagement and improved learning outcomes. Teaching games provide a fun and effective way to teach a variety of topics, including language, mathematics, and science. This article will evaluate the effectiveness of teaching games in education, including their impact on student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes.
Engagement
The use of teaching games in the classroom has been shown to increase student engagement. Games can provide students with an opportunity to interact with the material in a fun and engaging way. Studies have found that students who engage in teaching games are more likely to stay focused and motivated than those who do not (McCall & Colflesh, 2017). Additionally, teaching games can help to bridge the gap between home and school, providing students with a sense of community they can relate to (Jansen, 2017).
Motivation
Teaching games can also have a positive effect on student motivation. Through the use of games, students can be challenged to think critically and develop problem-solving skills (McCall & Colflesh, 2017). This type of learning can help to develop intrinsic motivation, as students are actively engaged in the material and are motivated to achieve success. Additionally, teaching games can provide a sense of accomplishment, which can help to foster a greater sense of self-efficacy (Jansen, 2017).
Learning Outcomes
The use of teaching games in the classroom can also have a positive effect on student learning outcomes. Studies have found that students who participate in teaching games are more likely to retain information than those who do not (McCall & Colflesh, 2017). Games can also provide students with an opportunity to practice the material they are learning, which can lead to deeper understanding and better long-term retention (Jansen, 2017). Additionally, teaching games can help to develop higher-order thinking skills, such as problem-solving and critical analysis (McCall & Colflesh, 2017).
Conclusion
Overall, the use of teaching games in the classroom can be an effective way to increase student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Through the use of games, students can be actively engaged in the material and can be challenged to think critically and develop problem-solving skills. Additionally, teaching games can provide students with an opportunity to practice the material they are learning and can help to improve long-term retention.
References
Jansen, D. (2017). The value of teaching games in the classroom. Education Today, 67(4), 20-24.
McCall, B., & Colflesh, G. (2017). How teaching games can benefit students. Journal of Educational Technology, 8(2), 101-109.