Educational video games are spreading like wildfire in classrooms around the world. As a complementary tool to support traditional teaching methods, digital learning games are undeniably engaging and dynamic. But are they effective in helping students develop crucial skills that will serve them beyond the classroom? A growing body of evidence suggests that they do. Here are 8 ways high-quality educational video games can support the development of critical thinking skills in students.
- 1. Digital Learning Games Include Problem-Solving Challenges
High-quality educational video games often present students with complex problems or puzzles that require thoughtful analysis and strategic planning to solve. This nurtures the development of problem-solving skills, a key component of critical thinking. - 2. Educational Video Games Present Decision-Making Scenarios
Digital learning tools such as in-classroom video games often mimic real-world decision-making scenarios. This forces students to evaluate information, consider consequences, and make informed choices. In doing so, students sharpen their decision-making abilities, which is a critical thinking skill applicable in various contexts. - 3. E-Learning Tools Provide Opportunity for Critical Analysis of Information
Educational video games that involve research tasks or information-gathering to progress encourage students to critically evaluate available information. This involves distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant details, a necessary component of critical thinking. - 4. Educational Games in the Classroom Require Students to Make Quick Decisions
Educational video games place students in dynamic and unpredictable game situations. This requires them to adapt quickly, think on their feet, and adjust their strategies as the game evolves. Developing adaptability and flexibility are integral to fostering critical thinking skills. - 5. High-Quality Digital Learning Tools Require Strategic Thinking
High-quality games for students often involve strategic elements where players need to plan, anticipate outcomes, and consider multiple variables simultaneously. Engaging in strategic thinking promotes the ability to analyze situations comprehensively, an essential aspect of critical thinking. - 6. Educational Video Games Provide Immediate Feedback Allowing for Self-Correction
Educational video games frequently provide immediate feedback (feedback loop) on students’ actions and decisions. This feedback loop allows players to assess the consequences of their choices, reinforcing a reflective and analytical mindset. - 7. Digital Games Often Offer Progressive Complexity
Many educational digital games are designed with a progressive difficulty curve. As players advance, the challenges become more complex, requiring higher-order thinking skills. This incremental increase in difficulty encourages continuous intellectual growth and the refinement of critical thinking abilities. - 8. Games May Help Foster Self-Motivation
Educational video games leverage self-motivation by making learning enjoyable. When students are having fun, deeper learning is possible. Indeed, students who enjoy learning are more likely to invest effort in solving problems and overcoming challenges, leading to a deeper engagement with critical thinking processes.
Educational video games are not meant to be used in place of in-person instruction, textbook study, or homework. Instead, they are meant to support educators, align with curricula, meet learning objectives, and align with standards to help students develop essential critical thinking skills, that will serve them in the years to come.
