What is GBL?
This instructional approach uses actual games as the primary method of teaching content and developing skills.
What is Game Based Learning?
This benefit of GBL helps students stay focused and curious during lessons.
What is engagement?
Using too much digital GBL may lead to this physical and cognitive concern.
What is excessive screen time?
GBL increases motivation by supporting autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
What is Self-Determination Theory?
GBL should always start with these to ensure focused and effective use.
What are learning objectives?
This teaching strategy borrows elements from games, like points, badges, leaderboards, to increase student motivation and engagement.
What is Gamification of Learning?
GBL often enhances this type of thinking by encouraging creative solutions.
What is problem-solving?
A potential issue when games are used that don’t align with learning goals or standards.
What is misalignment?
GBL supports this learning theory by letting students explore and construct knowledge.
What is constructivism?
Before using a game, teachers should ask: “Does this match my goals and ____?”
What is curriculum or content standards?
Students earn points or badges for completing problems on a math worksheets for third graders and a leaderboard could be used to track progress
What is Gamification of Learning?
GBL encourages students to work together and communicate, improving this skill.
What is collaboration or teamwork?
Teachers and students may struggle with this when using unfamiliar tech tools.
What is the technology learning curve?
When students are deeply focused and enjoying a challenge, they are in this state.
What is flow?
Teachers should plan for this during GBL, to monitor student progress and understanding.
What is assessment?
The teacher uses a digital role-playing game called "Revolutionary Decisions", where each student takes on the role of a historical figure and make decisions.
What is Game Based Learning?
Games give this kind of feedback, helping students adjust in real-time.
What is immediate feedback?
While GBL encourages engagement, this classroom management challenge can occur when students prioritize fun over task completion.
What is off-task behavior?
GBL supports this kind of motivation, which comes from internal desire to learn.
What is intrinsic motivation?
This classroom strategy enhances GBL by letting students discuss their learning afterward.
What is reflection?
This design principle aligns gameplay with learning objectives and assessments.
What is backward design?
GBL supports this by adapting to student levels and allowing varied ways of learning.
What is personalized learning?
If the competitive elements of a game cause anxiety or discourage participation in some students, the teacher should consider modifying the game to support this key principle of equitable instruction.
What is inclusivity or differentiated instruction?
This theory suggests that learning is enhanced when students collaborate with peers or teachers just beyond their current level.
What is the Zone of Proximal Development?
To make GBL effective long-term, teachers should continually evaluate games and revise lessons using this professional practice.
What is reflective teaching (or continuous improvement)?