If you’re a parent, you know that finding ways to keep your kids occupied and learning is a full-time job. There are so many options out there that it can be hard to know which is the right fit for your child. One option that has been gaining popularity in recent years is game-based learning. But what is it? And why should you consider it for your child? Keep reading to find out more!
What Is Game-Based Learning?
Game-based learning is a method of instruction that uses games and game-like activities to teach academic skills and knowledge. It can effectively engage students who may not be interested in traditional learning methods or who struggle with traditional instruction.
Game-based learning has been shown to improve student achievement, problem-solving skills, and teamwork skills. Many popular video games, such as Minecraft, are built around game-based learning principles. So next time your child begs you to buy them the latest gaming console, consider checking out some of the educational games available as well. You may be surprised at how much they learn!
Dropkick Math’s Games
At Dropkick Math Academy, we believe that learning should be fun and engaging, which is why we incorporate game-based learning into our curriculum. With our programs, your child may find themselves battling the underworld against the gangs of Matica to help deepen their understanding of the connections between fractions, decimals and percents.
Or, they may find themselves travelling to the city of Intermatica, where the queen of frustration, Francine, is making her last attempt to bring her brand of uncertainty and mathematical anxiety into their everyday math experience. Here, they will need to gain true confidence in math as the computer activates the defence shield that protects not only the great city of Intermathica, but also the future of you’re their learning in mathematics. Both parent and child will quickly notice how success is achieved by focusing on relationships and learning together!
That’s right! At Dropkick Math Academy, we want the parents to get involved with game-based learning! So, next time you log on for a lesson at Dropkick Math Academy, don’t be surprised if you find yourself playing a game with your child instead of completing traditional worksheets! We promise that you and your child will have a blast while enhancing both of your math skills.
How Does Game-Based Learning Work?
Games have been used as a learning tool throughout history. For example, chess was used to teach strategic thinking as far back as the Middle Ages. Although it has been found throughout history, the core concepts of game-based learning haven’t changed. Game-based learning is teaching through repetition, failure and the accomplishment of goals.
The easiest way to think of this is by looking at video games. The player starts off slow and becomes more skilled over time, eventually building up to navigate the most difficult levels. Educational games that are planned and designed well will offer enough difficulty to challenge a child without being easy enough for the play to win constantly.
Children should be able to actively learn and practice the right way to perform math equations. The result is active learning instead of passive learning. At Dropkick Math, we aim to show students that while math can be fun, they must work at it to enhance their skills.
Game-Based or Textbook Learning?
Unfortunately, the educational system is slow to change. And although COVID helped speed up the virtual learning process, it is still lacking in ways to keep kids engaged. So, once schools opened back up and classes were once again in person, a lot of the technology got left behind.
But for students who don’t do well with learning from a textbook, it may greatly affect them. Many students need to be engaged and work with others to help them learn. While we don’t have anything against textbooks, it just isn’t how we do things around here. Dropkick Math exclusively uses game-based learning and virtual classes to keep children entertained and eager to learn more.
Textbooks work for children, but even in those cases, they can become quickly outdated. When a textbook is released, it contains all of the current information, theories, and educational methods from when the book was printed. But since textbooks are meant to be used for many years, there is a substantial delay before the curriculum can be updated if needed.
On the other hand, game-based learning is built to be adaptive from the beginning. Our games are tested and adjusted during production to ensure they are the most effective learning tools. As new information becomes available, or if the educational approaches need to be adjusted, our games can be easily changed to suit the needs of students. We even consistently ask for feedback from parents so that our games can be adjusted for future use.
What Makes Dropkick Math Different?
While there are many math tutoring options available, Dropkick Math offers a different approach to learning. Our game-based learning creates a “math playground” where children can build their confidence and understanding of mathematics. We make learning math fun and our certified Ontario math teachers help children with the root of their misunderstandings.
When students learn with our game-based education, they gain ownership of the material which can help to improve retention. Using different approaches and using goal-based learning can help to address all styles of learning at the same time. This means no matter what a student’s learning style is, a game can address them.
Our game-based learning also provides a safe environment for failure. Many children will shy away from answering questions in a classroom setting because they do not have the confidence to make a mistake. However, our games give them a chance to try out new things, and if they fail in a game environment, they can simply try again and learn from their mistake. Our small class sizes also help children feel more comfortable. Regular education is based on memorization, whereas at Dropkick Math Academy, our math learning techniques allow children to learn through experimentation and trial and error.
We are confident that your child will thrive with Dropkick Math Academy. We have helped hundreds of students close a gap in their learning while having fun. To learn more about our math programs that offer game-based learning, visit our website today!
