We all love playing games, especially as children. But have you ever wondered why games pique our interest the way they do?
Well, it turns out that, from a psychological standpoint, games fulfill some fundamental needs within us. When we solve a puzzle, win a race, or conquer a level, our brains release dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. This rush of feel-good chemicals is what keeps us hooked and coming back for more gaming adventures, whether it's video games, board games, or participating in sports.
This love for games can be used in different spheres of our life! This concept is called gamification, or the strategic addition of game mechanics to make activities more engaging and enjoyable.
School can be boring for many kids, with math problems and chemical equations feeling like tedious tasks. But what if learning became an exciting game for the kids and turning study into a simulation game that they can't get enough of?
That’s gamification in education we’re talking about.
Gamification in education is being widely used these days, especially in new and upcoming platforms that provide online course help. Many teachers are also using gamification in the classroom more and more. This trend is picking up because it makes difficult subjects more fun—and when learning is enjoyable, students tend to learn more! These strategies especially work for elementary students.
Another reason is that students learn better when they have clear goals and strategies. That's where online tutoring platforms like Mentor Match come in. To help students achieve their set goals, create study plans and offer them learning support, K12 tutoring platforms in the USA train and hire top online tutors who are creative and experienced enough to provide kids the right balance between fun and learning.
How does it help?
Gamification in education offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it enhances student buy-in (that is, the student’s level of investment in what they’re learning) by framing lessons as games, thus fostering enthusiasm for learning. Secondly, it boosts engagement levels through game-like elements like scoreboards and badges, catering to various learning preferences and pacing. Additionally, it provides diverse learning pathways, promoting student autonomy and aligning with Universal Design for Learning principles.
Moreover, gamification allows kids and educators to efficiently reach their learning objectives by ensuring student engagement and motivation. Lastly, besides enhancing subject knowledge, it cultivates morale, camaraderie, and teacher-student relationships, making learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
“Before joining Mentor Match’s online tutoring sessions, Nate detested tackling even Elementary Math problems. Convincing him to sit down and work through them was always a struggle. However, since enrolling in the program, he's begun to view Math as a thrilling game. Engaging in Math games has changed his study routine, making the once difficult subject a breeze. The gamification process their online tutors follow truly works wonders! Thank you Mentor Match, for making learning enjoyable and effective for my son!”
- Vivian, Nate’s Mom
DIY Study Games for Parents to Introduce at Home
Parents can support gamified learning at home by encouraging their child to explore educational games, setting achievable goals with rewards, playing alongside their child, monitoring screen time for balance, and giving points and rewards for completing tasks like solving math problems or finishing worksheets.
Gamified learning offers numerous benefits for elementary kids, including increased engagement, improved understanding of fundamental concepts, and enhanced motivation to learn. By incorporating elements of games into education, K5 kids are more likely to enjoy the learning process, leading to better retention and academic success. Parents and educators alike should explore gamified learning resources and consider integrating them into their children's education.
Mentor Match, an online tutoring platform in the USA, works to make sure your child achieves their K12 success. We offer online sessions right from Primary School, to get your child’s learning journey started right. We believe in using innovative methods in our online classrooms, with our top tutors being trained in the art of storytelling, gamification, and other creative methods of tutoring. Take the leap and discover the transformative power of play in education today with a free trial class!
