Twelve Reasons Games are Great for Teaching
- Games are fun. They enhance interest and spark motivation in learners.
- Games are disarming. People are drawn into the play and begin learning before they have time to let their inhibitions about learning kick in.
- Games build teams. In the activity of play, people create bonds that extend to the workplace.
- Games provide practice and feedback. People can rehearse procedures and see the immediate results without serious consequences.
- Games let people try out different roles. People can experiment with different leadership styles before using them in the workplace.
- Games are memorable; they enhance retention. Games provide a context for what is being taught that is easy to recall.
- Games have an emotional impact. When emotions are involved, learning is deeper and has a longer lasting impression.
- Games fulfill multiple needs. They can be used to assess what people need to learn, to solve problems, to generate ideas, and to evaluate what people have learned.
- Games make abstract concepts more concrete. They provide an in-the-moment application of the ideas being taught.
- Games teach decision-making skills. Both individuals and teams learn techniques to evaluate data and make strategic decisions.
- Games encourage holistic learning. You can use games to transfer information and knowledge, to practice skills, or to change attitudes.
- Games provoke thought on multiple levels. Games can teach factual information but they can also encourage thinking on the deeper levels of “How?” and “Why?”
- Games provide reinforcement and reward. People can gain immediate satisfaction and accomplishment in their learning.
- Games appeal to different learning styles. People who read, write, draw, or learn through movement can find an outlet in games.
- Serendipity! With a well-designed and well-run game, you always get more than you expected (Just like finding 15 reasons for using games instead of only 12)!