An Introduction to Game based learning
Games offer a unique structure to complement traditional teaching strategies and
infuse teaching with energy, spark innovative thinking and provide diversity in
teaching methods. Games make learning concepts more palatable for students and
supply learners with a platform for their creative thoughts to bounce around. Games
encourage creative behaviour and divergent thought (Fuszard, 2001) and are
excellent ice breakers. Games will often act as learning triggers inducing lively
discussion on learning concepts amongst students following game play.
Games as Pedagogical Devices
As pedagogical devices, games are extremely useful ‐ they can enliven teaching
topics and are especially effective for dealing with problem solving and key concepts.
Research shows that “games have a special role in building students’ self‐
confidence” and “they can reduce the gap between quicker and slower learners” (