Educational games are a ‘win’ in the classroom

Grace Halpert

Entertainment Writer

Educational games such as Kahoot, Blooket, Gimkit, Quizziz, and Quizlet Live are popular methods of review, memorization, and practice in many classes at Maine South. These games engage and encourage students in different ways.

“The competitiveness of the games motivates us to study more,” freshman Ola Nawrocki said.

On the other hand, sophomore Nicole Scimeca is driven by the prospect of winning coins and collecting characters in games such as Blooket, where students can earn prizes for accumulating points.

“It motivates me to learn in class so I do well enough to win some super cool ‘blooks,’” Scimeca said. “They are adorable, and I’m always motivated to win so I can get a ton of coins.”

Spanish teacher Ms. Erin Albee uses games weekly to practice language learning.

“I think some games help students learn through repetition and the reinforcement of skills, such as vocabulary acquisition,” Ms. Albee said. “I find that students respond positively to them, and they can help students see what they still need to focus on in their learning and practice.”

Both students and teachers agree that educational games foster a collaborative environment.

“It helps you create a better bond with your classmates and overall improves the learning environment,” Nawrocki said.

A bell-ringer game can be an effective method of getting students in the right mindset to learn.

“I like to begin class with a word puzzle or some kind of challenge in order to bring camaraderie into the classroom and help jump start students’ thinking for the class period,” English teacher Ms. Laura Kirshner said.

At the start of each quarter, Ms. Kirshner’s students are divided into pairs. The partners compete against other pairs in daily games to win points, which determine the winners at the end of the quarter.

“I also like to use online tools, such as Quizizz, Vocabulary.com, or Kahoot, as a way to review,” Ms. Kirshner said. “I think that gaming helps students learn and review in ways that might be more memorable, collaborative, or enjoyable.”

Similarly, Ms. Albee uses games to work on vocabulary and grammar review.

“I look for games that require accuracy,” said Ms. Albee. “I also incorporate some paper games, such as Heads Up and Whip Around, as a way to get students speaking and using their vocabulary with their classmates.”

Educational games are a fun and effective way for students to practice their classroom material.

“When we play games in class, it’s the best of both worlds,” Scimeca said. “We are motivated to learn, and it’s fun.”