Reaching a high degree of classroom engagement through game-based learning

Did you know that playing is key for cognitive development at all ages? Consider your favorite games like hide and seek, puzzles, or board games. These games create lasting memories and feelings because they motivate and engage us deeply.
The course "Discover the Power of Game-Based Learning and Gamification in Education" took place in Tenerife from 21/04/2024-27/04/2024. Participants from across Europe attended, including Rasa and Jolanta from Youth school Gija in Lithuania, Jane and Krista Pärnu Ülejõe Põhikool in Estonia, Gisela from Kohtla-Järve Gümnaasium in Estonia, Teresa and Kamila from Szkoła Podstawowa nr 6 w Pruszkowie in Poland, Anna from ZŠ Arménská in Poland, Molou, Priovolou and Siavelis  from First High School of Peristeri Athens in Greece, Veronika and Jana from MOA Jičín in Cze, Darko and Monika from OOU,,Kliment Ohridski"-Prilep in North Macedonia, and Christina from Staatl. berufliches Schulzentrum Max-von-Pettenkofer Neuburg a. d. Donau in Germany.

The course was structured like a game, starting with participants creating their own game characters. This fun introduction helped highlight the diverse backgrounds and strengths of the group. We discussed the educational benefits of games, noting that while many teachers are "digital immigrants," their students are "digital natives." We explored the differences between gamification—applying game elements in non-game settings—and game-based learning, where the game itself facilitates learning.

Participants also learned about different motivators that enhance engagement through practical activities like roleplaying. They explored traditional games and transformed them into engaging learning tools. One of the highlights was a scavenger hunt in the city center and a digital escape room challenge.

By the end of the course, participants had not only embraced game-based learning but also developed their own strategies to gamify their classrooms, considering their students' needs and characteristics.
Discover more about this course here