Wednesday, November 11, 2024
Game-Based Learning and Literacy
Were you lucky enough to be at the FED Summit recently?
We really immersed ourselves in the presentation by Sir Ian Livingstone on game-based learning.
You might wonder why we think it has such resonance for our world of literacy teaching, but, as we reflect on the heritage of the Lexonik business, it’s very much aligned with the creativity and collaboration which go into the curation of our programmes.
By fostering a game-like level of engagement, we aim to create a literacy learning experience that is as motivating as it is transformative.
Game-Based Learning: The Power of Play
Game-based learning is much more than just fun and games.
As Sir Ian Livingstone highlighted, it’s a powerful method for developing key skills, from strategic thinking and problem-solving to resilience and teamwork.
Games encourage continuous assessment and repeated attempts, which enable students to learn through experience.
This approach shifts the focus from simply completing tasks to understanding and mastering concepts—a perfect match for literacy education, where progress comes through practice, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
The skills nurtured in game-based learning extend well beyond the classroom.
Students learn to take risks, build confidence, and appreciate that failure is simply part of the learning journey.
Encouraging Resilience, Collaboration, and Creativity in Literacy
One of the most valuable aspects of game-based learning is its focus on resilience. Games are designed so that players often need multiple attempts to succeed.
In the same way, Lexonik’s programmes embrace the idea that literacy growth happens over time and through persistence.
Students come to understand that literacy is not a fixed ability but a skill they can improve with practice.
They gain confidence as they see how far they’ve come, and they become more willing to tackle increasingly complex reading and comprehension challenges.
Embracing Differences
Sir Ian Livingstone emphasised the idea of how game-based learning embraces the unique strengths and talents of each individual, encouraging them to chart their own progress.
Similarly, our literacy programmes encourage students to develop at their own pace, showing them that their journey is valid and valuable.
There is no single right way to succeed in a game, and the same goes for literacy.
We’re extremely grateful for another invaluable insight at this year’s FED Summit.
Please feel free to share your thoughts with us about what you took from the event, or what you feel about our ‘take’ on game-based learning.
And, if you’re interested in more about our programmes, simply email phil.luke@lexonik.co.uk.
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