Points that matter: How to gamify your KET class

Points that matterHow to gamily a KET class

Luisa María Palacios Maroto

What is gamification?

What is a game?A game is a system in which players engage in an abstract challenge defined by rules, interactivity and f e e dback , t hat re s u lt s i n a quant if i a b le o u tcome o ft e n eliciting an emotional reaction.

A Theory of fun Raph Koster

s y s t e m : a s e r i e s o f interconnected elements which frame the situation. players: in our context we will remember that our players are “learners” abstract challenge: there must be something that the players want to achieve and win, usually with a reward.

rules: they show what is acceptable or not in the game and how to achieve the challenge. interactivity: it is a part of the game and it contributes to the fun. feedback: either instant or delayed, it will help the players to change any behaviour that is not acceptable in the game and reinforce the positive one.

quantifiable outcome: this will help to decide how well a player has done in the game and to choose a winner. emotional reaction: not only at the end of the game, but during it, players will face frustration, happiness, anger…

Ok, that’s nice but

what is GAMIFICATION?

Gamification is using game-based mechanics, aesthetics and game thinking to engage p eo p le , mot i vat e ac t i o n , promote learning and solve problems.

Wikipedia

Where can I find examples of gamification?

Theory of Fun

So… is playing a game gamifying my class?

Game Gamification

The game is the endThe game element is the process for a purpose

Intrinsic motivation No extrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation Extrinsic motivation

Restricted applicationApplied in your normal

life

It may/may not change behavior of the player

It intends to change the behavior of the player

Purpose

Fun

No Gameplay Gameplay

Gamification Serious games

Gameful Design Games

Why should I gamify my class?

It promotes Social Learning.

It is based on extrinsic motivation.

It shows scaffolded learning.

It fosters positive behaviour.

It evokes episodic memory.

How I gamified my KET classAll my mistakes

and some right decisions

Set a goal

Pass Cambridge English: Key exam.

Improve linguistic competence of my students.

Increase motivation of the weaker students.

Study the teaching situation

Where am I teaching?

Who are my students?

Will they like this experience?

Will the parents agree with it?

Set an objective

I mean… a realistic objective

and investigate

I don’t want to discourage

you… But it’s now when the REAL hard work begins

Set a story

It will be the background for the task.

It has to be interesting.

Distribute roles to the students.

This is what I thought

Far far away, there is a place where a sleeping dragon dominates the land. This dragon’s name is KET. It wakes up every June and many warriors try to defeat it. !The land of the three kingdoms is a magical place. There are many knights and ladies willing to defeat KET, but they are not prepared yet. The Black Witch will help them to prepare for the battle and defeat KET. !Are you ready to live the adventure?

Set the rulesHow and when are you going to play?

Which behaviours are acceptable and which not?

How are you going to modify the rules if necessary?

How long will the game be?

Don’t make many, and be ready to change them a few times

Where are you going to play your game?

Only in class?

Only online?

A mixture?

Each one has advantages and disadvantages.

The decision is not easy.

Just online ClassroomBlending

Online+classroom

Do your students have the

necessary skills?

Is it very time consuming?

What permissions do I need?

How do you integrate it in

the class?

Will all students be engaged?

What time should I devote to the

activity?

What kind of parents

permissions do I need?

Will it slow down the class

pace?

Will all students be engaged?

Set a reward system

How to win and lose points?

What is the finality of the points?

Are points the only possible reward?

Make provision of tasks

General tasks.

Extra challenges: for specific dates.

Don’t focus on only exam-type exams, this has to be fun!

PersonalizationSet specific challenges for students who need more help or want more.

Recognize exceptional work with points.

Big mistakes I made

I didn’t make provision of tasks.

The way I sorted out students led to demotivation of some of them.

Not all of the students were ICT competent.

And that you should avoid

All in all…

I think it was worthy

Useful tools

Conclusions

Great s t u d e n t s engagement.

Parents’ involment.

Huge load of work.

Much more than p o i n t s a n d leaderboards.

To know more…

luisapalacios@myenglishcorner.net

http://threeenglishkingdoms.blogspot.com.eshttp://myenglishcorner.net