Tie the game to the classroom

Just like you would when you read a book, watch a movie or a play, or have a field trip with your students – you always want to encourage them to discuss and deliberate on the experience and its meaning both before and afterwards.(for example Jon’s class)

Games are not magical environments where students learn automatically, they learn once they start to actively reflect on what they are experiencing or have experienced.

For this they need some structure, like a map or template to follow and guidance throughout.  (Eric’s and Linda’s classes) (Huda’s class)

Some will surprise you (and themselves) with how fast they move along coding and putting the elements or blocks together. They will tell you they learned things you didnt expect: unintended learning outcomes are some of the great benefits from using game-based learning. (Tom’s class)

Use special interests, to engage the pupil and increase their attention span for example in Paul’s class the movie ‘Edward Scissorhands’, a favourite of the pupil.