Week 2 Assignment- Should Students Play Games in School?

Should students play games in school? Hmmm....interesting question--in my experience, if every student is given a computer, they are going to play games whether you want them to or not. One of the main discipline issues that my school has now that every student has a MacBook is playing "illegal" games such as Minecraft, on their computers. And, our students are very smart, and can figure out ways around almost every "rule" or block that the school system puts in place to keep them off of games.

So, for me, I have found that I would much rather allow them to utilize games with a purpose or instructional value than simply be wasting class time playing games that have nothing to do with their lesson.

I have been able to find lots of awesome instructional games or simulations that reinforce the curriculum for my class. Most of the time, when I use games in the classroom, it is to review a concept with my students. Occasionally I use them to introduce a new concept that may seem abstract to them-- and by allowing them to play a game with the concept-- the ideas seem to come to life for them. When I allow my students to play these games I have found that they stay on task, have fun, and they learn (or at least remember!) the information. If you tell your students that you are giving them a review worksheet they moan and groan-- but tell them that they are playing a review game on the computer and they are excited! The games that allow them to track their scores and compare them to other student's scores are always popular with the students competing against each other for the highest score. This allows them to review concenpts individually and have fun at the same time.

Some of my favorite games for kids to play are the group review games that we play  to prepare for a test. My students love to play Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?  as a class on the overhead projector. Honestly, I love playing it too-- the kids get so excited and competitive and  that particular game allows the whole "team" to be involved in answering. I can't tell you how many times the bell has rung and I have had students begging for just one more review question or to keep going because they are so into the game and the score is so close!

I think, if used appropriately, games can add a lot to the curriculum. They offer a fun and interesting way for the students to review and solidify their understanding of the concepts that have been taught. Game on!