THE VALUE OF GAMES IN EDUCATION

The value of games in education is a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years as educators and researchers have recognized the potential of games to engage and motivate students, teach complex concepts, and develop important cognitive and social skills.

Games offer a number of advantages over traditional teaching methods such as lectures and textbooks. A mind set is developed in student players i.e. they are inherently engaging and motivating, which can help keep students interested in learning. Games also provide an opportunity for students to actively engage in the learning process rather than passively absorb information. This can lead to deeper understanding and retention of the material.

In addition to academic benefits, games can also help students develop important life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and teamwork. Games can also help students to develop social- emotional skills such as communication, collaboration, empathy and resilience.

Here are some specific features of the value of games in education:

· Better academic results: Studies have shown that students who play educational games tend to perform better academically than students who don’t. For example, students who play a math game for some time or solve puzzles, they gain more score in math.

· Greater engagement and motivation: Games are inherently engaging and motivating, which can help keep students engaged in learning. This is especially important for students who may struggle with traditional teaching methods.

· Active learning: Games provide opportunities for students to be active and participate in the learning process actively. It leads to deeper understanding and retention of the material.

· Skill development: Games can help students to develop important skills such as: Cognitive, social and psychomotor etc.

These skills create critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, teamwork, communication, cooperation, leadership, articulation, empathy and resilience.

·Assessment: Games can also be used as an effective assessment tool to measure student learning and progress.

Overall, the value of games in education is clear. Games can be used to engage and motivate students, teach complex concepts, develop important cognitive and social skills.

Here are some tips for using games effectively in the classroom:

· Choose games that align with your learning goals.

· Make sure the games are appropriate for the age and developmental level of your students.

· Give clear instructions and show how to play the game.

· Give students time to explore the game and learn at their own pace.

· Encourage students to collaborate and work together.

· Use games to assess student learning and training.