How can people use GBL properly?

Students can make the most of game-based learning by staying focused on the educational content within the game, rather than just playing for fun. They should aim to understand the lessons being taught and think about how to apply what they’ve learned.

Teachers play an essential role in making game-based learning effective and meaningful. By understanding each student’s strengths, learning styles, and interests, teachers can choose or adapt games that suit their class. This helps create a more personalized and engaging learning experience.

To ensure students are actually learning and not just playing, teachers can include reflection activities, like class discussions, journals, or written responses. These help students process what they learned, connect it to previous knowledge, and show their understanding of the subject.

Teachers can also adjust or customize games to better fit their lessons and students' needs. When picking a game, it’s important to check whether the knowledge and skills it teaches can be used in real life or future lessons. Careful planning like this ensures that game-based learning is both fun and educational.

Parents and guardians can support this approach by making sure the games their children play are educational. They can ask questions about what their children are learning and help manage screen time to keep a good balance between learning and play.

School administrators can support game-based learning by choosing games that align with the school’s curriculum and have clear learning goals. They should also provide teachers with proper training and resources to help them use games effectively in the classroom.