First of all when choosing a serious game, think about what results you want to achieve with it. Is the game leading or supporting in achieving those outcomes? Try to connect the content of the game to the learning goals that are set, when possible even connecting it to the teaching method.

How to choose a suitable game?

• Make sure the game is connected to your student’s learning goals and curricula.
• Make sure that the game you choose tickles your student’s fantasy. Games with some action in it help are very suitable. This helps your students to really get inside the story of the game and to feel motivated.
• The game must be challenging. Each level of the game should be a little bit more difficult than the previous one. And ideally just a little bit above your students' capacity so they get eager to improve themselves.
• The game must have clear rules and restrictions. Otherwise it will be more likely your student will quit the game.
• It is important that there is competition in the game, either with oneself or with other students.
• Make sure all learning styles from Kolbs theory are being adressed so every student can benefit from the game. Most games would already cater for the learning by doing and learning by experiencing styles, so make sure you cover the reflective observation and abstract conceptualisation by providing some additional tasks. E.g. after a game you can let students create an infographic or a blog about what they have learnt from the game. Or before they start the game you can let them do some research on the topic and collect what they have found on a board in Pinterest.

  

 

Use the following two grids to help you select a suitable game:

When you choose a game, first play it yourself. Then you can score the game in the grids provided. In one grid you can score the game on fantasy, curiosity, control and challenge. In the other grid you can score the game on: rules, goal, opposition, representation of the real world. You can print the two Grids here.

  

 Also keep in mind:

• That introducing and playing a serious game in your class can take up some time. Therefore it is important to see if you need to split the game up into more parts. In general you could take 30-40 minutes for playing the game and take 20-30 minutes for reflection.
• That you make sure that the required devices are available and working. Think: necessary hardware, sound system, headphones, and the option to play through the school network.