Back to Basics: Offline Games for Student Motivation

Description

Have you ever been in a situation where your students are just not up for work? Did you struggle to motivate them? Did you also struggle to motivate yourself by trying to think of some content-related tasks or fun ideas? If the answer to that is “yes,” don’t worry! All teachers face this challenge now and then.

This course addresses the common issue of lack of motivation among both students and teachers. It offers practical solutions through game-based learning and gamification, providing strategies to rejuvenate the classroom atmosphere.

This course will show you how simple games can improve spatial thinking, logic, critical thinking, and strategic thinking, helping to bring students “back on track” and make learning fun again.

During the course, participants will explore different types of thinking (spatial, critical, strategic, and perception) and learn about various games they can utilize to deviate slightly from the current content, re-engaging students and focusing their interest in other aspects of the subject.

The course emphasizes that motivation doesn’t always have to be tied to current content and that taking short breaks to play logic games and puzzles can significantly boost both student and teacher motivation.

By the end of the course, participants will have engaged in practical tasks and games that will help them think outside the box and grow in their teaching practice.

They will leave the course with a set of tools and ideas to create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment, empowering them to bring their ideas to life according to their working environment.

This course aims to restore motivation for both teachers and students, making learning a fun and enriching experience.

Concept by Josip Kličinović

Learning outcomes

The course will help the participants to:  

• Explore different learning styles;
• Investigate some simple but effective games they can use in their classrooms;
• Activate logical, procedural, strategic, critical thinking, and problem-solving in students.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Course introduction

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities.
• Icebreaker activities.
• Presentations of the participants’ schools.
• Learning styles.

Day 2 – Logic games and challenges

• Logic games and patterns;
• Games: Sudoku, Kakuro, IQ Fit, IQ Puzzler, Einstein’s Riddles.

Day 3 – Mind games

• Perception games, spatial thinking;
• SET, Building Blocks (3D);
• Escape rooms;
• Creating an escape room outdoors.

Day 4 – Mastering strategy

• Strategy games and problem-solving;
• Settlers of Catan, Azul.

Day 5 – Crafting offline games

• Designing and creating own content or non-content-based offline game;
• Benefits and drawbacks of playing games in the classroom.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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