An exciting trend in education is the use of gamification. Kids are having a blast embarking on quests, leveling up, and earning badges. Learning feels like playing a video game. Students get hooked on unlocking achievements, all while climbing a ladder of knowledge.

Gamification is the use of gaming elements to achieve learning or behavioral objectives. The method uses gamer concepts like point scoring, rankings, avatars, and game currency to incentivize educational outcomes.  

The learning objectives guide the quest. Game show style quizzes address the content standards. If teamwork and participation are the goal, kids are organized into leagues or guilds that work together to achieve a task. Classroom behavior is encouraged with points systems that reinforce desired behaviors such as lining up quickly and quietly.

Here are a few resources that use gamification to tailor the learning experience:

Kahoot! and Blooket offer customizable game show style quizzes.

ClassDojo awards points and reinforces positive classroom behavior.

Epic Digital Library provides an online library of books and awards points for reading and completing quizzes.

The benefits of this style of learning are engagement, social connection, and motivation to learn. Game based learning awards mastery and encourages kids to continue to build on knowledge by offering increasing difficulty. Gamification provides quick rewards and positive feedback. Kids go all in with an immersive and exciting way to learn.

Stephanie Standley M. Ed. is a mom, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast. She received her undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Psychology as well as a Master of Education-Literacy from the University of San Diego. Stephanie has 12+ years of classroom experience as a teacher and currently supports students in Special Education. She is inspired to use evidence-based practices to educate children in creative and engaging ways.