High-achieving students often dominate leaderboards, causing struggling students to disengage.
Beyond digital platforms, physical games help manage energy levels and reinforce classroom expectations:
Instead of vague checkmarks, students earn "XP" (Experience Points) for positive behaviors: classroom management games g+
: This Johns Hopkins publication explores the Good Behavior Game (GBG) , an evidence-based strategy where teams earn rewards for following rules. Research indicates it has long-term preventive benefits for student behavior and success.
: This research case study hosted on ResearchGate evaluates the impact of AI-enhanced gamification platforms like ClassDojo on student self-regulation and motivation. : This research case study hosted on ResearchGate
How it works: Draw a simple scoreboard on the board: “Students” vs. “Teacher.” Every time the whole class follows a routine (e.g., entering silently, transitioning quickly), they get a point. Every time YOU have to redirect them, the teacher gets a point. If students win by Friday → 5 extra minutes of free time. Why it works: It flips “rules” into a friendly rivalry. Kids will police themselves to beat you.
: Platforms like Mentimeter can be used for quick-fire trivia or "Pin-on-Image" challenges to keep students' attention during transitions. Effective In-Person Management Games Every time YOU have to redirect them, the
Wrapping the curriculum in a story (e.g., "The Class are Space Explorers") turns mundane tasks into missions.
Classroom Management Games (G+) represent a shift from coercion to motivation. By leveraging the psychology of play—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—educators can create an environment where behavior management becomes a byproduct of an engaging culture, rather than a constant battle. While risks regarding intrinsic motivation exist, a well-balanced system that focuses on progress over prizes yields significant improvements in classroom climate.
: Using Google Slides templates , teachers can create "Hidden Picture" games where parts of an image are revealed as students meet behavioral goals or answer questions correctly.