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With the rapid pace of technological change, there is a growing need to update educational processes.
Today’s students must be equipped with the skills to thrive in a tech-driven world, and teachers are at the forefront of preparing them in safe learning environments like classrooms. Serious games have emerged as a powerful tool to support this effort, teaching various subjects, from humanities to STEM. Game-based pedagogy is at the heart of this trend, where learning theories and game mechanics combine to create practical, impactful learning experiences.
This blog explores how pedagogy in games can transform education by integrating learning theories with interactive game mechanics. We’ll cover different learning theories, explore frameworks used in games to achieve educational outcomes and share real-life success stories of game-based learning in classrooms.
What is Pedagogy in Games?
Pedagogy is the science and art of teaching. Game-based learning combines practical teaching principles with game mechanics—like interactive storytelling, problem-solving, and immersive environments—to create engaging learning experiences.
Game developers can design games that entertain and teach by applying pedagogical principles. Notably, games offer a unique ability to track and measure players' learning progress through actions, providing real-time insights into how well educational goals are being met.
Examples of Game-Based Learning in the Classroom
Game-based learning is increasingly finding its way into classrooms. 74% of teachers now use digital games to enhance understanding. By making learning interactive and fun, games help students actively participate and retain information better. With the rise of digital platforms, these educational games are more accessible than ever, offering schools an engaging tool to support various subjects.
How Learning Theories and Game Mechanics Complement Each Other
The core of game-based learning is the intersection of learning theories and game mechanics. Learning theories explain how people learn, while game mechanics provide a structure for creating engaging experiences.
Types of Learning Theories and How Games Can Integrate Them
Many different learning theories can inform the design of educational games. Some of the most commonly used theories include:
Behaviourist theories
Behaviourism is a learning theory that emphasises the role of reinforcement in shaping behaviour.
- In game-based learning, behaviourism can be integrated through reward systems, such as points, badges, or other in-game rewards, that motivate learners to engage with the learning material.
- For example, a math game rewards players with points for answering questions correctly or completing challenges within a specific time limit.
Cognitive theories
Cognitivism emphasises the role of mental processes, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, in learning.
- Cognitivism can be integrated through games that challenge learners to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions based on information presented in the game.
- For example, a history game that challenges players to make decisions based on historical events and information and shows the consequences of their choices in the game.
Constructivist theories
This learning theory emphasises the active role of learners in constructing their understanding of the world around them.
- Constructivism can be integrated through open-ended gameplay and exploration, allowing learners to experiment with different solutions and create their understanding of the learning material.
- A science game that allows players to explore and experiment with different scientific concepts, such as biology or physics, through sandbox-style gameplay is an example of this.
Connectivist theories
Connectionism is a learning theory that emphasises the role of technology and networks in facilitating learning.
- In game-based learning, this can be integrated through multiplayer games, social features, and online communities that allow learners to connect and collaborate in learning.
- For example, a language-learning game that includes social features such as chat rooms, forums, or multiplayer challenges allows learners to practice speaking and writing with other learners.
Frameworks Used in Games to Achieve Learning Outcomes
To achieve meaningful learning outcomes, game designers use several frameworks to shape the player experience:
Serious Games Framework
This framework is designed to help game designers create games that are not only fun but also educational. It emphasises the importance of aligning game mechanics with learning objectives and providing players opportunities to reflect on their learning. You can learn more about serious games in our other blog.
Game-based Learning Design Framework
This framework is designed to help game designers create practical game-based learning experiences. It emphasises the importance of aligning game mechanics with learning objectives and providing players opportunities to practice and apply new skills and knowledge.
Design, Play, Experience Framework
The DPE framework helps game designers understand how their design choices affect the player's experience and how players' interactions can shape their overall enjoyment and learning from the game. It emphasises the dynamic relationship between game design, player actions, and the resulting experience. This framework was created to address the gap between previous design knowledge that only considered entertainment games, including knowledge and experiences for serious and educational games.
"FLOW" framework
This emphasises the importance of creating a state of "flow" in players, fully immersed in the game and feeling a sense of control and mastery. The "FLOW" framework emphasises the importance of creating challenges that are appropriately matched to players' abilities, providing clear feedback on progress, and creating a sense of engagement and enjoyment in the game.
7 Tools for Gamifying the Classroom
Games can be easily integrated into the classroom, from using educational games to supplement traditional instruction to creating fully-fledged game-based learning experiences. Here are some examples of such games and game-based learning experiences:
PlayEd
PlayEd is an online library of digital educational games and resources for K-6 classrooms. Teachers made it for teachers to support the growth of social, interpersonal and digital literacy. PlayEd thrives on students' inherent curiosity and gamifies modules on literacy and numeracy. It promotes healthy collaborations and competition within classrooms as well. Teachers can tailor-make games for individuals and groups, easily tracking performance and results.
We worked closely with the client, Top Teacher, to create a digital learning experience to amplify the power of play and empower educators to plan more engaging lessons. Students can play across smartphones, iPads and monitors to completely understand different digital literacy skills and make integration into various school types easier.
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Classcraft
Classcraft takes multiplayer roleplaying games into the classroom as an immersive learning platform. The gamification and social aspects of Classcraft help students develop more than just their curriculum base. Teachers monitor all interactions and projects and get intervention data to identify which students need extra support. The immediate reward function and customisable avatars make students feel more motivated and engaged. Classcraft is an excellent example of how serious game development works.
Kahoot!
Kahoot! Is a digital learning platform that uses quizzes, puzzles, polls, and player-paced challenges to help students learn in a more engaging and fun way. Kahoot’s primary goal is to reinforce the idea of repetition to reinforce certain concepts. The teacher curates all of the games with the help of the Kahoot platform. It also provides review documentation for teachers to see the student's responses, allowing for more content curation for individual topics. Kahoot! leverages behaviourist theories and believes immediate feedback and reinforcement are the best way to help students learn.
Minecraft EDU
Minecraft is a sandbox game where players explore, craft and build in an open world. Minecraft Education is a game-based extension of this platform where students and teachers collaborate on projects. The safe in-game environment allows students to learn their curriculum in a personalised, fun and engaging way. Minecraft Education inspires inclusive learning through play, much like the constructivist theories and game-based learning design framework. More than 35 million students and teachers are currently learning through Minecraft Education.
DragonBox
DragonBox is an award-winning platform used in schools and at home to help children learn maths. It uses motivation-based learning to help children understand how to solve problems more deeply. DragonBox games engage children using their desire to learn with exploration and discovery styles games. While math can be a point of contention for many children, DragonBox brings math to life to promote the progression and application of lessons to real life.
Code.org
Code.org is a nonprofit organisation bringing the opportunity to learn computer science to students worldwide. The platform also focused on increasing participation from underrepresented groups and students from marginalised communities that would otherwise not have access to the technology. Over 80 million students and 2 million teachers are currently using code.org. This platform and its successes enforce all the theories and frameworks for using game pedagogy well.
ChemCaper
ChemCaper is a chemistry adventure game that makes students curious about science. It teaches the properties of different elements and their chemical reactions by providing a rich game world and many challenges based on chemistry concepts and the periodic table. ChemCaper is an excellent example of how constructivist theories and situated learning frameworks can lead to an immersive learning experience.
Why Games Fit Easily into Classrooms
Games are naturally engaging, making them an effective tool for capturing and maintaining students' attention. With immediate feedback and rewards, games motivate students to focus on learning objectives. Moreover, games can be customised for various subjects, making them adaptable and versatile for classroom use.
Pedagogy in games is rapidly growing and has immense potential to reshape education. By harnessing games' unique features—such as interactivity, immersion, and feedback—educators can offer students powerful, enjoyable learning experiences that help them acquire new knowledge and skills.
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