Games and Learning

From reading research articles by James Gee, I have become aware of the benefits, which games can bring to learning. Not only do most students enjoy playing games, it has been proven that games can help students gain a deeper understanding for the concept being taught. The central paradox of deep learning explains that it will not work to try to merely tell new learners everything. Learners will not be able to fully understand concepts and retain the information being taught if they are simply spoken to. Instead, Gee’s research states that games can be used to help students experience what is being taught. With that said, Gee is not speaking of any random game. The game being utilized as a learning tool needs to be one that has a specific educational goal, and one that is mindfully chosen and assessed by the teacher.  

Gee conducted a study using a game called Supercharged! which had outcomes to prove that games can improve the students’ understanding. The experimental group outperformed the control group in that they were better able to recall the information using examples from the experiences they encountered during the game. This shows that incorporating games into academic subjects such as science can help students recall, transfer and better comprehend concepts. 

Teachers can utilize games in their classrooms to supplement their lessons and help students understand better through visual and experimental presentations. Additionally, students engage in deep learning through activities and experiences more than mere facts and information alone.