All about the GAME as a learning technique: GAMIFICATION.

What are the benefits of using games as teachers?

Introduction

When we talk about play, we refer to any activity that is carried out alone or with others, which enables communication between the parties. It is a way of interacting with reality and, consequently, allows the people who play to get to know reality and integrate into the world. In the classroom or on the sports field, play allows the student to be led into the world of knowledge and allows development in different areas: social, intellectual, psychomotor, and affective-emotional.

Characteristics

• It can arise spontaneously or be previously agreed upon.
• Its development requires the construction of scenarios, the assumption of roles, and the acceptance of rules.
• It is a mode of expression that allows for the expression of motivations, interests, attitudes, ideas, etc.
• It is a experiential activity that tends to produce pleasure.

When engaging in a playful activity, it is important to consider several aspects to ensure that it is an effective educational experience. First, it is necessary to carefully select the games and activities that will be used, ensuring that they are appropriate for the age and developmental level of the participants.

It is also important to establish clear and specific objectives for each activity, so that it can be evaluated if they have been met at the end of the session. In addition, it is important to establish clear and fair rules that all participants understand and accept.

It is essential that the teacher supervises the activity and is attentive to the needs of the students, ensuring that everyone participates and has a positive experience. Finally, reflection on the experience should be encouraged, allowing students to share their ideas and opinions about what they have learned.

What should be taken into account when carrying out a playful activity? – The didactics of play.

• Analyze its development by analyzing its weaknesses and strengths.
• Use durable, attractive materials that do not pose a danger when carrying out the game.
• Recognize the emotions, interests, and expectations of those who play.
• Provide the opportunity to form new values and knowledge.
• Carry out playful activities that are interesting, that is, do not promote apathy or boredom, as this would defeat their primary purpose.
• Establish and define the game rules among peers, ensuring that they are respected, so that there are no inconveniences or problems between players.
• And last but not least: Do not see playful activity as a way to “fill time,” as a pastime without objectives.

What types of games exist?

Almost all playful activities can be classified into some of the following types:

Outdoor

These are games that are played in open spaces and are often passed down from generation to generation, promoting sociability and psychomotor development, such as the famous game of tag.

Board and video games

They promote the development of logical and strategic thinking because the player must think about how to achieve the objective of the game. Among these are, for example, Candy Crush or chess.

Representation

The subject symbolizes or represents an action that takes place. For example, the representation of television characters.

Dramatic

The aim of these games is to reproduce a situation that occurs in reality, for which the participation of the players in the elaboration of the story script is essential. It allows players to enrich their emotions and knowledge based on what they learn from each other when they interact with ideas and feelings.

Physical contact

As the name suggests, there is physical contact between players who simulate different roles, such as battle games or even races.

Here are some links to websites where you can find information and ideas on gamification in the classroom:

Teaching resources:

1. Classcraft – Offers gamified classroom management and learning tools: https://www.classcraft.com/
2. Kahoot! – A game-based learning platform that makes it easy to create, share, and play learning games or trivia quizzes: https://kahoot.com/
3. Breakout EDU – Provides immersive learning games that teach critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills: https://www.breakoutedu.com/
4. Minecraft Education Edition – A game-based learning platform that promotes creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration: https://education.minecraft.net/
5. Quizlet – An online learning tool that provides gamified study materials such as flashcards, games, and quizzes: https://quizlet.com/

---

---

Source: Bosack, Alejadro & other; “FÍSICA Y QUÍMICA. LA NATURALEZA CORPUSCULAR DE LA MATERIA. ELECTRICIDAD Y MAGNETISMO. FUERZAS Y CAMPOS.”; Ed. Sm (Conecta 2.0); Buenos Aires, Argentina; 2013.