This is a great activity for times when you don't want to start a new unit but need to continue learning. Online math games can be a fantastic way to reinforce concepts, build fluency, and inject some fun into learning. However, with a vast ocean of digital games at their fingertips, how can students discern the truly educational gems from the flashy distractions? Turning your students into discerning game evaluators empowers them to take ownership of their learning while developing critical thinking skills.
Instead of just assigning any math game, guide your students through a process of evaluation. This not only ensures they're engaging with worthwhile content but also helps them understand the elements that make a learning tool effective. Here’s how you can approach this activity:
Begin by brainstorming with your students what qualities they think make a good game in general. This might include elements like fun, engaging gameplay, clear rules, and a sense of accomplishment. Then, steer the conversation towards what makes a game educational. Prompt them with questions like:
- What should you be learning while you play?
- How should the game help you understand math better?
- What makes a math game more helpful than just doing worksheets?
Guide them to identify key characteristics of effective educational math games, such as looking for clear learning objectives. The game should focus on specific mathematical concepts or skills that are aligned with what they are learning in class. Is the math integrated into the game or kind of an afterthought. The math shouldn't feel like an afterthought but should be integral to the gameplay. Solving problems should be necessary to progress and succeed.
Ask yourself if there are opportunities for practice and repetition built into the game. Does it provide ample opportunities to practice skills in a variety of contexts. Furthermore, does the game have immediate and constructive feedback. A good game should provide feedback on their answers, helping them understand where they went wrong and how to improve.
Even though the game is educational, do players find it engaging and motivating. In other words, will it keep their interest enough to play long enough to learn. The game should offer a level of challenge that is neither too easy nor too difficult, allowing students to feel a sense of accomplishment as they improve.
What should students look for as they evaluate the game? Begin by equipping your students with a framework for evaluating the online math games they explore. This could be a simple checklist or a more detailed set of questions. Some of the key areas they should explore include looking the specific math skills or concepts the game addresses? How well does it align with what we’ve been learning in class? Is the math the central focus of the game, or is it secondary to other elements?
Then consider how is math used within the game? Is it just about answering questions, or is it applied in a more interactive and meaningful way? Does the gameplay help you understand the math concepts better? Look at what kind of feedback the game provides? Is it immediate? Is it helpful in understanding mistakes? Does it offer explanations or strategies?
Have students ask themselves if the game enjoyable to play? What makes it engaging (e.g., storyline, visuals, challenges, rewards)? Does the fun enhance or distract from the learning? In addition, it is important to know if the game appropriately challenging? Does it get harder as you progress? Does it allow for different levels of difficulty? Finally have students ask themselves if the game is easy to navigate and understand. Are the instructions clear? Is the visual design helpful and not distracting?
Once students have had a chance to play and evaluate a game, have them share their findings. This can be done through the use of written reviews. They can write short reviews of the games they played, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses in terms of their educational value. You could facilitate a class discussion where students share their evaluations and justify their opinions. This encourages critical thinking and peer learning. Or students could present their chosen game to the class, explaining the math concepts it covers and why they think it is (or isn't) a good educational tool.
By engaging in this evaluation process, students not only get valuable practice with math concepts but also develop crucial analytical and critical thinking skills. They learn to look beyond the surface of a game and consider its underlying educational value. This empowers them to become more discerning learners in the digital age and appreciate the thoughtful design that goes into creating effective educational resources. So, let your students explore the world of online math games, but equip them with the tools to become informed and insightful navigators! Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.
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