Gamifying Assessment: Enhancing Student Learning Through Play
Incorporating educational games into student assessment has emerged as a powerful instructional strategy, enhancing engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Digital applications like Kahoot, Quizizz, and Blooket foster interactive and adaptive learning experiences, aligning with modern instructional technology trends. These tools offer students an opportunity to develop critical thinking and collaboration skills in an engaging way while making assessment feel less intimidating and more dynamic.
From my own practicum experience, I have observed firsthand how students become more engaged when educational games are used for formative assessment. In one instance, using Kahoot for a math review significantly increased participation, particularly among students who were usually hesitant to answer questions in a traditional setting. Similarly, interactive learning environments like Blooket and Quizizz encourage problem-solving, competition, and active recall, making assessment an immersive experience rather than a static evaluation.
Despite their benefits, integrating games into assessment presents challenges. Educators must ensure these tools align with curriculum expectations and provide valid measures of student learning. Additionally, accessibility and equity must be considered, as not all students may have the same level of familiarity or access to technology.
Moving forward, I see educational games as an essential component of my teaching practice. While traditional assessment methods remain valuable, incorporating game-based learning can cater to diverse student needs and learning styles. By striking a balance between play and assessment, educators can create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences that foster deeper understanding and enthusiasm for learning.
Resources/References:
Kahoot! https://kahoot.com
Quizizz https://quizizz.com
Blooket https://www.blooket.com
De Freitas, S. (2018). Are Games Effective Learning Tools? A Review of Educational Games. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 21(2), 74–84. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26388380
Nguyen, H. (2021, March 26). How to Use Gameplay to Enhance Classroom Learning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-use-gameplay-enhance-classroom-learning/
Tokarieva, A. V., Volkova, N. P., Harkusha, I. V., & Soloviev, V. N. (2019). Educational digital games: models and implementation. Educational Dimension, 53(1), 5–26. https://doi.org/004.9:37.091.33
Zeng, J., Parks, S., & Shang, J. (2020). To learn scientifically, effectively, and enjoyably: A review of educational games. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2(2), 186–195. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.188
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