Game-Based Learning (GBL) — Background and Theory

Broadly, game-based learning is designed to balance the subject or content being taught with playfulness and the player's ability to apply it in the real world.

History

Games have served as a learning tool for a long time. Chess was used in the Middle Ages to teach war strategy. During the American Civil War, officers played American Kriegsspiel, invented in 1812 to train military officers. Kindergarten itself, invented in 1837, was based on learning through play.

Theory

Combining play with learning boosts motivation, enjoyment, and interest for learners and teachers alike. Learning through play is seen as effective because it enables natural learning, with the educational goals achieved indirectly. That said, there's an inherent tension between play as a learning tool and play whose only purpose is enjoyment — staying aware of that tension protects the light, free spirit of play itself.

Possible learning goals

Academic knowledge — a game can fit at any stage of learning, as an opener to a new topic or as practice of something already taught. Skills and abilities — every game creates room to develop life skills, language skills, social communication, and more. Active learning — students engage with inquiry, problem-solving, and building curiosity, imagination, and collaboration in ways frontal teaching doesn't always allow.

Want to see the method in action? Come to a free trial lesson.