THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING WHILE PLAYING

One of the most common misconceptions is that proper learning should be serious and formal in nature. Many people believe that if one is having fun then they aren't truly learning. But, this couldn't be further from the truth. Games offer an alternative way of learning a new language and an enjoyable method of doing so.

Research studies have found that games enhance the traditional learning method and make mastering a new language both fun and exciting. While games are usually associated with fun, we shouldn't lose sight of their educational value, particularly when it comes to foreign language teaching and learning Comligo is one of the brands that really believes in the gaming side of learning. Games are very effective because they lower students' stress levels, create motivation, and give those learning a new language the opportunity for real communication.

So why is playing games so beneficial for learning a new language?

1. Playing games is motivating and low-pressure

When you are playing a game, you are motivated to succeed - you want to win! But to win, you will need to get better at playing the game first. When it comes to language-oriented games, getting better at the game means getting better at speaking your chosen language which can be very rewarding. Over recent years, much research has shown that students learn better when the objective of the lesson is clear to them. A major impact on improving motivation is feedback and this is something that games do very well. Most online games offer richer stimulated learning experiences, as well as immediate feedback, which students love.

On another note, games offer a low-pressure approach to learning. One of the greatest fears of the average language learner is embarrassment. There's no denying that it's not easy to muster up the courage to try and speak a foreign language in public. After all, nobody wants to look silly by messing up the pronunciation of words. However, this is a part of the learning process. But, if you make a mistake while playing game, it's no big deal. I mean, it's only a game. Game produce the perfect low-pressure environment where you can practice your skills on real people but without the fear of being ridiculed and embarrassed.

Aside from the fear of embarrassment, homework, tests and quizzes cause a lot of stress and anxiety in students, especially those who might be struggling to keep up. Playing games allows them to work at their own pace, and takes away the pressure of having to prepare for a test or exam. Instead, they will have fun while learning.

2. Playing games develops critical thinking and cognitive skills

Critical thinking is the process of analyzing and going through information to make sense of it and apply it in everyday life. This skill involves using the front part of the brain that manages memory, control, attention, and flexibility. For instance, a child who points out that they always have story time before bedtime is using cognitive thinking. Children learn literacy and numeracy by playing with different books and toys and demonstrate their thinking while talking about what they are doing. It should be no different when it comes to learning a new language. By playing games you are able to apply your knowledge in practice. Ultimately, important learning happens during free and guided play time.

3. Games help to improve linguistic skills

A recent survey revealed that over 78% of teachers noted that learning games were effective in helping those struggling students to compensate for learning gaps. How? The answer is practice, practice, and more practice. Video games and learning games require the integration of multiple linguistic skills including speaking, listening, reading, and in some cases writing. You know the saying, practice makes perfect? Well, this certainly applies in the world of language learning. The more often you practice, the better you will get at speaking a new language. Games are ideal since they require you to go through the information over and over again, adding new sections with new words as you go.

There's no getting around the fact that learning a new language is challenging. But this doesn't mean that your child needs to feel stressed out and spend their time huddled over language work books, preparing for upcoming tests and exams. Games, especially now with the option to play online, can offer a great way to add a little fun and excitement into your children's language learning routine.