Using games is a tried and tested method for gaining the attention of students. But aside from attention alone, there are numerous other benefits.
Gamification aids cognitive development
Using games in your lesson plan is proven to aid cognitive development because it allows students to use parts of the brain that are ordinarily under utilised in the classroom. Games that are created with the sole purpose of enhancing cognitive development are known as brain games. These have become increasingly popular and are based on various questions and problems that students have to answer or solve. They can improve the rate at which the brain processes and maintains information, which has a lasting impact on student performance.
Gamification can aid in physical development
Sometimes, more interactive games require some physical exertion. This can come as a welcome exercise for students who otherwise live quite sedentary lives between the classroom and home. And this physical activity of course has positive effects on cognitive abilities.
Gamification increases levels of engagement in classrooms
For some students, words in textbooks or on screen don’t jump off the page or capture their attention. With games, however, it has been scientifically proven that when gamification is employed in the classroom, the game-like atmosphere has been found to produce favorable results, with increased productivity, engagement, and better learning outcomes.
Gamification can produce more equitable and accessible classrooms
Gamification can be used as a teaching tool to educate students with varying cognitive and physical needs. Because of this, it can also foster greater integration between different groups of people, offering an opportunity to strive for greater equality in education.
Find out more about using Vivi to help gamify your learning environment.
