Design Instruction Like a Game Developer

As a way of improving instruction and creating more effective learning tools, let’s recast classroom and online instructional methods using game-based thinking.

For example, we traditionally teach problem-solving, leadership, decision making and other critical higher order thinking skills by providing learners a list all the elements that need to be learned. A trainer careful explains each item and what it means and then the learners are given a case study or role-play.

With game-based thinking, that design is turned on its head. In almost every game designed, the player is confronted with a problem they must solve immediately as the start the game. Slay the dragon, capture the enemies flag or hurl the angry bird at the pig, explanations, bullet points and detailed instructions are not part of the game playing design process. Instead, the player starts with a problem. The same needs to be done in an instructional setting.

Tell the learner, something like “you are the bank manager and someone has embezzled, what do you do?” Immediately force the learner to apply what the already know and identify what they don’t know. As the learners try to solve the problem, the instructor or game-environment provides guidance and assistance. The learner is supported but is only provided information when the or she encounters an obstacle to solving the problem. As designers of instruction we need to create the need for the learner to seek or require the information you want them to learn. This creates motivation, aids retention and engages the learner in the content immediately. Starting with a problem set the context in which the learning will be applied.