Why this approach is important
The simple reason that games work so well in the classroom is because they have a competitive element to them. This challenge seems to bring out the best in most students, both girls and boys. Your students can be challenged against each other, for example in ‘Splat’ (see Case Study 1). Alternatively, the game can challenge the individual student.
Another reason why games are useful for you as a teacher is because your students have to demonstrate their learning in order to do well in the game. This can provide you with immediate feedback so that you can decide whether the science idea or concept needs discussion again in the whole class or perhaps with a few students. In the best games students often forget that they are learning or being assessed. Instead they become engrossed in the winning of the game itself. As you work through this unit, it would be helpful to remind yourself of different assessment techniques. For further information on assessing progress and performance, read Resource 1.
Classroom games range from the very simple to the more complex. This unit will work through the whole range, beginning with very simple games and progressing to some more complex ones. The final game illustrated is a complex game idea that you can try out for yourself.
What you can learn in this unit