Benefits Of STEAM Gamification
The US Department of Education states that our nation’s kids must be prepared to use knowledge and enhance their problem-solving abilities. To analyze and acquire evidence, they must be ready to make decisions in an ever-changing and increasingly complex environment. This is precisely what STEM education advocates for today’s youth. STEM has a simple definition: science, technology, engineering, and math. So, if you take a science class in your institute, realistically, you are taking a STEM class. On the other hand, it is much more than a clever acronym for grouping subjects.
STEM education combines elements often taught separately in different sections, and stresses applying knowledge to real-world situations. A lesson or unit is usually centered on finding a solution to a real-world problem in a STEM class, emphasizing project-based learning. STEAM is a STEM variant that incorporates an “A” for “art and design.” Students who are well-versed and proficient in STEAM disciplines are more likely to be creative and critical thinkers. They will be able to apply what they’ve learned to real-world challenges, thereby benefiting their communities. STEAM-literate high school graduates make a smooth transition to higher education careers in those subjects.
Effectively engaging kids is one of the critical difficulties that teachers usually face. Students have a more challenging time remaining motivated in class because online learning cannot establish the social and emotional connections that in-person learning can. Gamification, which is defined as the use of game-like elements in non-game environments, might assist in motivating online learners and resolving this problem. Digital badges, leaderboards, progress bars, and other gamification components are commonly used in STEAM. When these aspects are combined in an online learning environment, students can have an engaging, immersive experience.
How Is Gamification Revolutionizing Education?
Gamified learning in STEAM is an educational strategy that incorporates competitive gaming principles into the classroom. The learning environment looks and feels like a contest or game, complete with a leaderboard, live match performance, and relative scoring. Gamification of learning is the latest buzzword in STEAM education to inspire learners to ingest more by boosting enjoyment and engagement. This method is beneficial because it motivates students to work hard and persevere in their studies. Gamification, in addition to providing a compelling stimulus, also:
- Provides immediate feedback to learners.
- Gives students the chance to “own” their learning—learning becomes more self-directed.
- Makes the long-term importance of learning more easily noticeable and real.
- Makes learning more enjoyable by enhancing involvement.
Gamification as a learning tool is gaining traction in education and dispelling some of its myths. It’s impossible to overlook the impact of the video gaming industry on many people’s everyday lives, especially those who are accustomed to getting a daily dose of excitement in this manner. According to the United States’ 2019 “Evolution of Entertainment” study, 73% of Americans aged 2 and above play video games every day.
For some time, electronic tools for teaching have been a reality, and schools are implementing programs, such as gamified STEAM, to help teachers use technology more effectively in the classroom. Technology improves the entire school community and adds to digital literacy, a necessary ability for everyone in today’s world. Teachers can use it to help their students study more effectively. They have the option of creating apps and games for use in the classroom.
Benefits Of STEAM Gamification
1. Increases Engagement In Classrooms
Scientists conducted a study to determine the amount of student engagement when using gamification in the classroom. The researchers gave three various everyday class activities a point system. The kids were then graded on their level of participation. The researchers discovered that the game-like environment in the classroom was beneficial and enhanced productivity.
2. Makes Learning Visible
It’s never difficult for students to orient themselves in a game, whether using a progress bar at the top of the screen or through stages that need to be finished. When students can’t see what’s ahead, they struggle to gain the same clarity in their learning experiences. This difficulty is solved through gamified learning, which makes progress visible. This could be done through:
- Earned points
- Progress bars
- A summary or map of the learning content
- Personalized goal-setting processes
This visibility makes it easier for students to assess the next steps required, to take stock, and see how far they have advanced.
Key Takeaway
A learner with a strong mentality believes that they can change and increase their knowledge by putting forth effort. In games, the nature of studying via failure and mastery lends itself to developing a growth mindset. STEAM enables you to do just that. This sort of teaching is ideally suited to creating an atmosphere that defies the traditional classroom setting, changing it into a space that stimulates interaction and exploration in STEAM education.
