games-ED launch off Young People First games based learning

April 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Young People First is a resource management game that considers the complex issues surrounding young people. The game is played in the classroom on a single computer by the whole class. The class is divided into teams and take on different roles in the game. They do not compete with each other; in fact, they need to work together to get a high score.

Eight teams need to deal with problems such as teenage pregnancy, anti-social behaviour, worklessness, and drugs. The teams need to establish root causes and create positive alternatives.

The game plays over a number of rounds (3-4 simulated years in the life of the community). The rounds are sub-divided into plan>do>review phases. The rounds progressively speed up, as the learners get to grips with the task at hand. The round structure creates natural break points in the game play. This ensures that the educator remains in control and can steer as necessary. The games-ED (http://www.games-ed.co.uk) approach is fun, but that is not at expense of learning outcomes.

The games have been used in schools, college and universities and are built on tried and tested adult learning simulations that have been used in over 450 workshops. The game compliments standard teaching and offers the best of both worlds.

The games based learning approach is liked by pupils and teachers alike:
•   “I liked that we had a lot of freedom and it was exciting to find out the difference after each round. I also liked the money thing… I [understand] that we are very lucky to have all the resources that we have, and how well we are looked after.” - Pupil
•   “I thoroughly enjoyed the session, as did the children. This group of children love anything involving money so it really captured their attention whilst dealing with lots of important and complex issues.” – Teacher / Assistant Head

The approach also delivers excellent results, as can be shown in recent feedback from schools:
•   77.5% improvement in understanding of the subject.
•   57% improvement in decision-making skills.
•   67% improvement in comprehension of cause and effect.
•   51% improvement in group working.

Young People First Is suitable for Key Stage 3 through to degree level and is provided with a teaching guide and worksheets (as pdfs). Help is embedded throughout the game, so the educator can see what is happening in the simulation.

Learning Objectives:
•   Understanding the cause of young people’s issues.
•   Understanding the effect of young people’s issues.
•   Understanding the different organisations involved in young people’s issues.
•   Working together to solve problems and make decisions and developing generic / employability skills.

Subject areas: Citizenship / PSHE / Health & Social Care / Healthy Schools / Sociology / Public Policy / Children Services.

Uses:
•   Anchor a term topic.
•   Special days / events.
•   Inter-house competition
•   Student induction.

Teaching Methods Deployed:
•   Debates
•   Discussions (experience transfer)
•   Educational games
•   Role-playing
•   Simulations
•   Pupil/student-led activities or exercises.

The Climate Game licences start at £200 plus VAT (dependent on the size of the establishment).

For more information on Young People First and / or games based learning email us (see below) or contact Mary Dees on 0161-427-8684. Or read our games based learning blog (http://www.games-based-learning.com).

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We support curriculum; personal, learning & thinking skills; & cross-curriculum dimensions. Our games provide interactive, experiential learning that promotes collaboration & enables problem solving & accelerated learning of complex subjects subjects.