Sometimes we forget that learning is not restricted to a desk, listening to lectures, reading books and taking tests. Learning while gaming is promoted for babies and toddlers by doctors and teachers. Why do we accept that this is a great learning method for small children, but not a good method for all ages? It IS VALID for all ages!
Why Games?
Games are usually fun.
Games often require the use of strategy.
Gamification is one of the leading ways to modify behavior.
If you are playing the game correctly, you are always learning.
There will always be someone better than you, so the opportunity for growth is unlimited.
Game can supplement many other learning styles.
Why not?
Why project-based learning?
Project-based learning requires the student to focus on one topic at a time.
You can choose a topic that the student is already interested in.
It's great for accelerated students who want to dig deep into the research.
It's great for otherwise abled student who may be distracted jumping from topic to topic.
It translates well into the job world where employees are often given tasks to complete.
An Example:
Selecting just one topic doesn't mean they are focusing on one school subject (math, science, reading, etc.). A topic can include many different school subjects under the same umbrella. I want to share an example with you of a single topic that falls under many subjects and is built around a game.
The Topic: Pokémon
The Subjects: Reading, art, history, science, geography, math, soft skills development, conflict resolution with sportsmanship, and writing.
To better understand how all of these subjects are tied into a single game, I will give you a brief description for each one.
Reading - obviously the student needs to be able to read the cards to play the game. By reading the cards out loud, the student is adding a verbal component as well.
Art - when you use the Pokémon lesson plan, you will notice that I ask the students to draw their own Pokémon. The student will be able to use artistic skills, and various mediums to recreate a Pokémon that they love or design one from their own imagination.
History - part of the Pokémon lesson plan requires the students to look at the history of the game. When it was designed, and when it was made available to the rest of the world. While not world history, students are learning how to do research, what timelines are, and that everything starts somewhere and progresses from there.
Science - Pokémon card types are often based on elements. This is a great opportunity for discussions on the differences between water and fire, rock and grass, and more. Students and educators can make up experiments to help further the discussion. For example, if a fire Pokémon starts a fire, how might a water Pokémon combat that fire?
Geography - Pokémon are based on real animals, bugs and other elements from around the world. Part of the course asks students to identify where their Pokémon are from on a map. Educators are encouraged to take this topic further by helping encourage students to build Pokémon decks with Pokémon who would be from similar places in the world. This conversation can be expanded to include what the Pokémon would eat, what type of habitat it would live in, and could the entire decks Pokémon co-exist in the same place in the world?
Math - Students will be asked to keep track of their game scores by adding and subtracting. Keeping track of hand sizes, the number of cards on the board and strategizing the best ways to increase the power or toughness of each Pokémon involves calculations. The math can be as complicated or as simple as the student is willing to go.
Soft skills development - The students will have to use problem solving and critical thinking to try to win the game. It involves figuring out how to counter attacks, move cards on the board, and take risks to earn more points. By adding tournament rules, the students will also learn time management and interpersonal communication.
Conflict resolution - This topic is going to be a big deal for many students. All too often one student will do something that the other students don't agree with. This will then start a discussion that could progress to a fight. As the educator, through observation, you will be able to catch these fights in the earliest phase and encourage open discussion and honest conversations. Having good sportsmanship will serve the student well their entire life and help them deal with conflicts they encounter every day moving forward.
Writing - a big part of the project-based learning experience is to keep a log of your project progression. I provide you with worksheets that will help the student track, but a journal is also a great option.
Comments