Games-based learning is not a trivial pursuit – it works, says 1980s pioneer
Games-based learning is not a trivial pursuit – it works, says 1980s pioneer
Games-based learning is not a trivial pursuit – it works, says 1980s pioneer
By Annie Hayes
August 4, 2023
Summary
There is some fun here too because game-based learning is very much about just that: playing games that embed life-long learning on serious topics.
Speaking today, Helweg-Larsen, the founder of ProfitAbility, says: "We teach business and finance through board games. It's all transaction based and the learning is real, they manage a visual balance sheet and if there is no money left then they have to deal with that." It's a process that demystifies the financial side of running a business, which Helweg-Larsen says is still a huge area for learning for even the most senior leaders in blue-chip companies.
The approach of game-based learning is to combine experiential and social learning to create immersive, lifelike and memorable experiences that do the opposite of what most training does.
"Engagement is key to learning" Helweg-Larsen says: "A lot of training has changed over the years, but not learning. Engagement is still the key to learning and retention and without retention there is no chance of applying the learning. With games, engagement is always high." People remember key things about the game and in the business context that means taking away valuable skills and lessons and embedding those in long-term memory.
"We see clients get excited about learning via virtual reality, for example," he says, yet the reality is that a well-designed exercise using simple materials will beat a high-tech programme with poor learning design.
To learn, people must be engaged and the material that engages them must also embed the learning, or there is little gained.
Catalysing change to solve these age-old corporate dilemmas is achieved by the high engagement in realistic scenarios that Helweg-Larsen aims to produce via game-based learning.
Reference
Hayes, A. (2023, August 4). Games-based learning is not a trivial pursuit – it works, says 1980s Pioneer. Home. https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1832448/games-based-learning-not-trivial-pursuit-%E2%80%93-works-says-1980s-pioneer