Teachers� Views on Game-based Learning (GBL) as a Teaching Method in Elementary Level Education

Mrityunjoy Jana; Subrata Kumar Arui; Papiya Dutta (Ray); Nityananda Sar

Volume : V, Issue : I, January - 2016

Teachers� Views on Game-based Learning (GBL) as a Teaching Method in Elementary Level Education

Mrityunjoy Jana, Subrata Kumar Arui, Papiya Dutta Ray , Nityananda Sar

Abstract :

<p>Our present paper emphasise on game based learning (GBL) which can help students to improve problem-solving skills and make it possible for them to interpret their society, nature and the world around them through long term experiences. Actually, games provide information in a relevant situation or setting. So far it is very important for the social studies courses, in-class leisure activities, games, physical activities and extracurricular activities which aim to train students as active members of a classroom all over world. Using games in courses encourage reflection and comprehension of the learning. The purpose of this study is to understand elementary school teachers&rsquo; views on GBL related to elementary school courses. 30 elementary school teachers from the schools located in districts with low, middle and high socio-economic levels in Paschim Medinipur participated in this qualitative study. The data has been collected by using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive analysis in the study area. The findings of the study, the elementary school teachers believe that content of the social studies course; in-class leisure activities, engaging child literature, games and physical activities were suitable for using GBL in the classroom. GBL activities were exemplified as e-learning activities, creative drama activities, digital games, values education and character education. Teachers experienced problems about time planning, students&rsquo; non-cooperative behaviours, and teachers&rsquo; insufficient background about organizing and designing games as well as economic problems and technical obstacles in related to GBL. This qualitative study could help our society by improving educational development</p>