Using Games to Teach: Misconception 2 of 3
“My class loved the game, therefore it was a success!”
Truth: Just because the students rave about a game doesn’t make it a great educational tool. In many cases, instructors are trying to bring some fun into their training. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but we need to remember what we are there to do. I remember many years back, when I told a manager how my attendees were always commenting on how much fun my classes were and how much fun I made the training (Tip: Never get too full of yourself!). She made it clear to me, in a very stern tone of voice and with a raised eye brow added for effect, “They are not here to have fun, young man. They are here to learn!” I realized, looking back on it now, that I was expressing what I thought was the most important measurable of my training session – fun. She was more concerned about the course objectives being met. If I recall correctly, the course objectives did not make any mention of an outcome, like “having fun” or a “having good time.” I do, however, remember thinking of my boss as somewhat of a prude at the time and old fashioned in her ways. But now, as I look back on it, I understand where she was coming from. (I do believe she really thought training should not be fun, but I got her point.) Her primary measure of a course’s success, was whether or not the teaching objectives where being met. Hmmm….. What an interesting concept!
Use the comments area to share your ideas of how to make sure games are fun AND educational.
Misconception 1: The game contains the material that I am teaching, so therefore it is educational.
Misconception 2: My class loved the game, therefore it was a success!
Misconception 3: Dammit Jim, I am an educator not a computer programmer.
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About the Author: John Dillon has been a Paramedic for close to 3 decades, and has been an instructor for just as long. John currently works as a paramedic and educator for Woodbury Public Safety in Woodbury MN, and is the founder of C3 SoftWorks located in Minneapolis. John currently educates instructors on how to use game to teach core content in seminars and conferences around the country. John can be reached at johnd@c3softworks.com or www.c3softworks.com.
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August 20th, 2009 at 5:05 am
I totally agree with you that there is a misconception when it comes to training/teaching and sometimes the line is to thin, whether the concepts should be delivered in a fun way or with a more serious approach.
Still Education is a challenge that invokes for real engagement with students, and if through fun this can be achieved, I think it’s the set up for a positive starting point.
September 16th, 2009 at 7:03 am
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