Center for Teaching and Learning

Game-based Learning

Game-based learning leverages the inherent engagement and motivational power of games to foster learning and skill development. By integrating game mechanics, narratives, and challenges into educational contexts, it transforms potentially mundane subjects into exciting and interactive experiences. This approach taps into learners' natural inclination to play, explore, and compete, capturing their attention and encouraging deeper participation. Whether it's a digital simulation designed to teach complex scientific principles, an escape room scenario that hones problem-solving skills, or a board game that reinforces historical timelines, game-based learning offers a dynamic and memorable pathway to knowledge acquisition and application.

People using chalk to draw a gaming controller and cords

Active learning techniques are the cornerstone of student engagement and learning, as students learn best when they have goals to achieve. The more students are engaged with the material, the instructor, and the class, the higher the levels of critical thinking that occur. Although this strategy may sound like it is part of a game show, game-based learning focuses more on teaching than on games.

Through this technique, teachers incorporate educational activities into their lessons that work to achieve learning objectives. These activities can be completed independently or in groups, and the game itself serves as the assessment. It is important to note that game-based learning should be adjustable to fit a variety of learning objectives and content areas. Technology is not required for this learning technique.

Game-based learning activities often include (but are not limited to):

Achievable goals or learning objectives
Rules that players must follow
Competition and conflict
Cooperation
Feedback from instructors and peers

Examples of Game-Based Learning:

Using all or part of a class period, develop games for students to work collaboratively as teammates. Teams are an essential part of game-based learning, as they allow students to give each other real-time feedback. While students are working together, instructors can survey the room to observe what students are doing and identify areas where improvements (an additional layer of feedback) can be provided.
Classic games, such as Jeopardy or Kahoot, allow students to review key course concepts. Consider creating a game that incorporates course concepts while awarding points. Points provide students with extrinsic motivation, while teams—and being part of a team—help motivate students intrinsically.

Reading Resources:

Problem-based learning: This approach involves students working on real-world problems or case studies and applying their knowledge and skills to find solutions.

Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. Similarly, Problem-Based Learning is a student-centered approach in which student groups learn about a subject by attempting to solve open-ended problems. Students work on a project over an extended period, such as a week or an entire semester, during which they are engaged in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They can demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience. As a result, students develop deep content knowledge, as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills through the practical application of the subject matter.

Project-Based Learning links:

Inquiry-based learning: This approach involves students asking their own questions and conducting research to find answers. Inquiry-based learning emphasizes the student’s role in the learning process.

Self-directed learning: giving students some level of control over what they learn and how they learn it can be achieved through choices of projects, assignments, or readings.

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