Monday, January 18, 2016

Game Mechanics in the Classroom to Engage Learners

Every Classroom Matters Episode 204

From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis

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Game mechanics are elements of gaming that you can design into your lesson plans to engage learners. Teacher Michael Matera shows us how to use them. We can engage students, even going up to year-long junior high version of “Game of Thrones” like teacher Michael Matera has done. (OK, Game of Thrones fans, don’t worry, there are white walkers or red weddings. Just fun, learning, and excitement! 😉

michael matera game mechanics

Today’s guest, Michael Matera, is a middle school social studies teacher who runs a sixth grade game-based history class . But don’t think it’s just points and leader boards! Truly gamifying a classroom is so much more, but it’s a lot easier than you think.

Michael is the author of Explore Like a Pirate: Gamification and Game-Inspired Course Design to Engage, Enrich and Elevate Your LearnersGet some inspiration and ideas for little and big things you can do to spice up your classroom and engage learners.

Essential Questions: A Walk on the Wild Side of Game Based Learning

  • What are game mechanics and how can you use them in the classroom?
  • What is purpose-driven learning?
  • How can you select specific words to encourage student excellence and have students want to achieve those things without feeling like it’s always a lecture?
  • How can you start the class with mini games related to your topic they get everybody excited and engaged?
  • What are some of the central themes to Michael Matera’s new book Explore Like a Pirate?
Hey teachers, let’s learn from teachers! Michael Matera is just another fantastic example of great teachers in the classroom innovating and sharing! His book is fantastic! I highly recommend it!

Educator Resources about Game Based Learning and Michael Matera

Dive Deep: Other Episodes About Game-Based Learning

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Game mechanics in the classroom

The post Game Mechanics in the Classroom to Engage Learners appeared first on Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis @coolcatteacher helping educators be excellent every day. Meow!


from Cool Cat Teacher BlogCool Cat Teacher Blog http://www.coolcatteacher.com/game-based-learning/

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