I always loved Fridays with my RTI class because that was our board game day! After brief progress monitoring, we’d dive into various board and card games designed to enhance our students’ numeracy skills. The kids eagerly anticipated these sessions, and I noticed a clear uptick in their numeracy skills over the year. It’s no surprise to anyone familiar with the joys of learning through play, but now, recent research backs up our experiences with some compelling evidence on the benefits of game-based learning for student development.
Board games enhance learning and cognitive development for primary school students
While focusing on primary students, I believe my 8th graders’ cognitive development and math skills also benefited from game Fridays. The structured, engaging nature of these games transcends age groups, offering educational boosts hard to achieve with traditional teaching methods. This fun-and-learning blend not only enriches academic skills but also boosts critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, important for any student. Here are the key findings from the team of seven researchers:
Key findings from Vita-Barrull et al. (2024):
- Improved executive functions. Students participating in board games showed notable enhancements in their executive functions, particularly in updating and inhibition abilities.
- Boosted academic skill. Students who played board games showed measurable improvements in reading and math skills compared to those in regular classes.
- Engagement and fun. Board games enhanced cognitive and educational outcomes and increased student engagement through interactive, enjoyable learning experiences.
Can we trust this research?
Not all research is created equal! Here’s what our We Are Teachers “Malarkey Meter” says when it comes to this publication, based on four key factors.
- Peer-reviewed? Rigorous peer review has scrutinized this study, ensuring that experts in the field critically examine the findings. Check!
- Sample size: With 522 students from various grades participating, the study offers a robust dataset that supports the reliability of the results. Check!
- Trustworthy sources: The study is conducted by a large team of reputable researchers (including Nuria Vita-Barrull, Pablo Sotoca-Orgaz, and Rosa Ayesa) in educational science with nearly 4,500 combined citations. This piece is also published in the well-respected, high-impact factor, international journal Learning and Instruction, adding to its credibility. Check!
- Methodology: Employing a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, (remember, it’s our golden standard of research! The best!), the study provides high-quality evidence of the benefits of board games in education. An RCT is as good as it gets! Check!
What does this mean for teachers?
One of the researchers described to We Are Teachers what their research means for teachers:
- Effective learning tool: “Integrating modern board games into classroom activities is far from just playtime. It actively supports the development of executive functions and basic academic skills in language and math among primary students.”
- Choosing the right games: “While traditional games like chess are beneficial, modern board games like Bee Alert and Pickomino feature diverse mechanics and incorporate contemporary aesthetics and storytelling. These games are particularly effective as they are short, simple to understand, and suitable for multiple players.” (Check out our list of top board games, as recommended by teachers!)
- Implementation strategy: “In our study, the playing group engaged in 12 one-hour sessions, held twice a week, facilitated by regular classroom teachers. Initially, the transition to game-based learning may seem chaotic, but students quickly engage deeply, driven by high intrinsic motivation.”
- Expected academic benefits: “Our research highlights significant improvements in executive functions such as updating, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition. Furthermore, students who participated in game-based learning showed greater improvements in verbal fluency and mathematical skills compared to their peers engaged in standard educational activities.”
Thank you, Dr. Jorge Moya Higueras!
By integrating board games, we meet traditional learning goals and add a fun twist to our classrooms, effectively addressing diverse learning objectives. While some administration and central office folks might be skeptical about the educational value of board games, this research provides strong evidence to support our case. Ultimately, whether we’re administrators or teachers, our shared goal is to engage our students and enhance their learning. By embracing board games, we’re not just playing: We’re proving that we’re all on the same team in striving to foster a comprehensive and stimulating educational environment.