What To Look For In Math Games.

At some point, we like to use games as a way of learning. Some games are better than others so it is important to look for certain things which make the game more exciting. In today's entry, we'll look at things to look for that will make the game a better choice for the classroom.  One time, I downloaded an app for students to use to practice their multiplication tables and the only thing it had them do was practice problems in order such as 1 x 7 = 7, 2 x 7 = 14, etc and there was never a way the facts were mixed up.  

One reason to use games in the classroom is that they provide both structure and a process for children to practice their problem solving skills in order to reach a goal.  In addition, students are more likely to persist in order to solve a problem when playing a game because they are engaged.  

One important thing to look for in a game for the classroom is choice.  If there is no choice, students have little opportunity to develop strategy.  When they have to make a choice, they have to think about things, and worry about if they made the right choice once they've made a decision.  This adds richness to the classroom and the teacher can always ask them why they made a certain choice.  It promotes communication.

Secondly, math should be the engine that powers the game rather than using it as say the money in a game.  In other words, you have a racing game and students need to solve problems at a regular interval so they gain speed, refill empty gas tanks, or such activity.  This means the fun stops until the math problem is completed.  Instead, you want a game where the better a student becomes at the math, the better they become at the game and the more choices they have because they see more ways of doing things.

This is where teachers have to decide if it is game based learning or if it is gamification.  The first is where learning occurs within the framework of a game while the second is when game elements are added to make the experience more engaging.  So in the previous example the doing math to fill the car with gas is really more of gamification rather than game based learning. Look for a celebration of correct answers rather than leader boards, badges, and timed activities.

The game should also be simple to use and easy to play so you don't spend too much time going over rules and getting things set up.  The sooner students are in playing games the sooner they are having fun and are engaged.    You want students to learn as they are playing rather than being distracted by avatars, pets, or accessories they could earn.

You want to make sure the game is both engaging and challenging to the student. You want the student to feel as if they just need to get this one more thing and they will have it.  There is a fine line between being challenging enough and too challenging.  If it is too challenging, they will get discouraged.  It is like holding the carrot just out of reach but the carrot doesn't move away, it is allowed to get closer until you get it.

The game should have students stop and think so avoid multiple choice questions, or games that give the answer if the student is wrong, or work if a student just randomly clicks on things.  A good game will have research behind it that is easy to find and done by others. If all else fails, play the game yourself to see if it meets these criteria.

It is always nice to have ideas of what to look for in a math game so it really meets the needs of the students rather than just being a fun game.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.