NCTE 2024

We all know that motivation is a key factor in learning. As teachers, we are always working to motivate our learners, and games are one technique that many – if not most of us – have used. A newer approach is “gamification,” using game elements in a non-game context (such as the classroom) to encourage action. In this workshop, I’ll give a brief overview of why games and gamification are tools to help learners start learning and stay enthusiastic about learning. Then we’ll share ideas about ways that different types of games can be used effectively in the classroom. We’ll look at some games for different skill areas and overall motivation and try a few games, then discuss why they would work (or not) with your learners.
Next we’ll explore gamification, which is about turning the classroom environment into a space that uses game mechanics, the elements of games that designers employ, to enhance motivation and learning. As with anything else in education, it's how the techniques are used that makes a difference. We’ll go over how you can create a gamified class or skill area.
Bring a syllabus or lesson plan with you, if possible. We will discuss and plan ways to revise a syllabus to incorporate games and gamification components in a collaborative, communicative environment. The goal of the workshop is to equip you to bring games into your classroom effectively and to use gamification appropriately to engage and motivate your learners.