Why Are Learning Games for Adults More Effective Than Traditional Learning?

Mary Poppins put it well: “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down”. In other words, the game helps and motivates to complete tasks which are, in theory, not so interesting. This principle also applies when we grow up, and it encapsulates the recent success of learning games for adults. Do you want to know why?

You may also like: Game-based Learning vs Classroom Training. Or Why Learning Through Playing is the Better Option

We learn better thanks to the game

Indeed, many studies, beyond the famous nanny created by Pamela Travers and popularized by Walt Disney, show that the game does much more than “sugar” our daily lives. Thanks to the game dynamics, people, adults included, learn better. Therefore, some of the best educational tools in the world are based on the game.

Game-based learning (GLB) is a more effective training methodology than e-learning. We all like to play, and that preference for a fun environment makes learning games (serious games) a fantastic asset for training. What are you waiting for to develop the most demanded skills in the next 5 years?

Many schools use games, for example, to teach mathematics; a subject that is often a source of frustration in the classroom. Game-based learning has proved to be a particularly effective technique for dealing with exact sciences.

We adults can use learning games for adults in order to learn and stimulate our cognitive functions. Like the younger ones, we need to feel stimulated when we work to achieve greater mental agility.

Learning games improve knowledge and retention

Learning is very important for the personal and professional development of a person. Understanding the content is crucial in this learning process. Only if we feel we understand what we learn, will we be really motivated and committed to achieving the best results.

On the contrary, if we cannot understand anything and we are not engaged or interested, the result is withdrawal and lack of motivation. The question is: why are learning games for adults so effective? You can check out these 8 benefits of serious games for training that will surprise you. The Federation of American Scientists [“A Meta-Analytical Examination of the Instructional Effectiveness of Computer-Based Simulation Games”, 2011, Tracy Sitzman] ensures that the video game is the best way to learn. With the game we can improve our performance and increase our level of effort and knowledge through practice. Specifically, figures say that:

Game-based learning, when compared to traditional learning…

• Increases up to a 20% self-confidence of the student.
• Improves by an 11% conceptual knowledge.
• Increases by a 90% retention of learned content.
• Achieves a 20% more practical knowledge.
• Increases by a 300% the number of completed tasks.

In short, thanks to the game, the students (whether adults or mere math students) keep a positive state of mind, which would not be possible to maintain with traditional methods. These methodologies help us train and develop our memory, attention span, planning, conflict resolution ability, etc. Do you know about the serious games by Gamelearn?