Using Game-based Learning in the Classroom to Develop Productive Struggle

Summary

This video discusses the concept of 'productive struggle' in education, which suggests that challenging students can foster deeper learning. It compares learning to muscle growth, where pushing the brain to its limits promotes learning. Using well-designed games as an example, the video highlights key principles that engage students in productive struggle: problem-based learning, learning by doing (including failure), informative feedback, and progressive growth. These principles can be applied in the classroom to enhance engagement and foster deeper learning by introducing challenges that students can solve through exploration and persistence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Productive struggle can enhance learning by pushing students to engage in effortful thinking.
• 😀 Like muscles grow with exertion, deeper learning occurs when the brain is pushed to its edge.
• 😀 It’s difficult to engage a whole class in productive struggle, but it’s essential for deeper learning.
• 😀 Games are a powerful tool for engaging students in productive struggle.
• 😀 Well-designed games provide problem-based learning, where students must figure out solutions themselves.
• 😀 Games allow students to learn by doing and, crucially, by failing, which is part of the problem-solving process.
• 😀 Failure in games is normalized, helping students learn without fear of making mistakes.
• 😀 Games give informative feedback, helping students course-correct and refine their approach.
• 😀 Games start simple (low floor) and progress to more complex challenges (high ceiling), promoting growth.
• 😀 Incorporating principles from games—problem-based learning, learning by doing, feedback, and progressive growth—can improve classroom engagement.
• 😀 Educational practices that allow for exploration, feedback, and progressive challenge can help students achieve deeper learning.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'productive struggle' in education?

Productive struggle refers to the idea that challenging students and pushing them to the edge of their capabilities can lead to deeper learning. This approach encourages effortful thinking and problem-solving, ultimately aiding in the development of new skills and knowledge.

Why is productive struggle compared to muscle building?

Productive struggle is compared to muscle building because both require exertion and pushing past comfortable limits to grow. Just as muscles grow when pushed to their limits, learning deepens when students are challenged and forced to engage in effortful thinking.

What role do games play in engaging students in productive struggle?

Games are effective tools for engaging students in productive struggle because they present problems that require effortful thinking. Well-designed games challenge students, offering them a chance to explore solutions, make mistakes, and learn through failure in a controlled environment.

What makes a game 'well-designed' for learning?

A well-designed game offers a problem-based approach, encourages learning by doing (including failure), provides informative feedback, and allows for progressive growth. These principles help keep students engaged and ensure that they are learning effectively.

How does the problem-based approach in games contribute to learning?

The problem-based approach in games helps students engage in meaningful problem-solving. Instead of being told how to do something, students are presented with a puzzle or scenario that requires critical thinking and exploration, making the learning process more active and engaging.

What is the significance of failure in games as a learning tool?

Failure in games is seen as an essential part of the learning process. It allows students to explore multiple pathways, learn from their mistakes, and refine their thinking. This culture of failing and retrying is key to building resilience and understanding complex concepts.

How does feedback in games help students in their learning?

Games provide informative feedback as students progress, guiding them when they make mistakes or go off track. This feedback helps them correct their approach, leading to more effective problem-solving and a clearer path to success.

What does 'progressive growth' in games mean for student learning?

Progressive growth refers to how games start with simple tasks that are easy for students to engage with, then gradually increase in difficulty. This allows all students, regardless of skill level, to experience growth and reach their full potential by continually challenging them.

How can teachers apply the principles of game design to classroom teaching?

Teachers can incorporate game design principles by posing novel problems at the beginning of lessons, encouraging hands-on activities, providing ongoing feedback, and designing tasks that gradually increase in difficulty. This approach helps create an environment conducive to deeper learning.

Why is starting lessons with a 'low floor' and moving to a 'high ceiling' effective?

Starting lessons with a 'low floor' makes them immediately accessible to all students, while gradually increasing difficulty (the 'high ceiling') ensures that every student can experience growth. This scaffolding technique helps all learners progress at their own pace, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of the material.