Teaching history can sometimes be challenging, especially when students see the subject as boring or irrelevant to their lives. At Tambo National High School, one way to overcome this challenge is using a gamified teaching strategy in the Araling Panlipunan 8: World History class. This approach incorporates elements of games into the learning process, which can make history more exciting and engaging for students. Using gamification, teachers can help students overcome their negative perceptions of history and encourage them to take an active interest in the subject.
Gamification involves turning lessons into games or adding game-like features to the classroom. For example, teachers might divide students into teams, set challenges, or use point systems to reward achievements. These features make learning more interactive and fun, encouraging students to participate and enjoy the subject. In Araling Panlipunan 8, teachers use gamified activities like quizzes, history trivia, and competitive team tasks to help students learn key concepts in world history.
The stigma associated with history often comes from the idea that it is just about memorizing dates, names, and facts. Many students find this learning tedious and uninteresting. Gamification helps change this mindset by making learning more dynamic. Instead of simply memorizing information, students engage in activities that allow them to think critically, collaborate with others, and creatively apply what they have learned. For instance, a game could ask students to match critical historical events with their corresponding dates or work together to solve a historical mystery. These activities make learning feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
One of the benefits of gamified teaching is that it encourages active participation. In traditional lessons, students may be passive listeners who only take notes and read textbooks. In a gamified classroom, every student can contribute by answering questions, working with a team, or completing tasks. This active involvement helps students feel more connected to the subject and enhances their understanding of historical events.
Another advantage of gamification is that it promotes healthy competition. When students are divided into teams or groups, they work together to achieve a common goal. This encourages teamwork and cooperation as students help each other understand complex concepts. At the same time, the competition aspect motivates students to do their best and challenge themselves. As they earn points or rewards, they gain a sense of accomplishment, which boosts their confidence and motivation to continue learning.
Using gamified teaching strategies has already shown positive results in addressing the stigma associated with history at Tambo National High School. Students who previously disliked the subject now look forward to history lessons and actively participate in class. The gamified approach has made history more enjoyable and relevant to their lives. They no longer see history as just a subject to memorize but as an exciting topic to explore and understand.
In conclusion, the gamified teaching strategy in Araling Panlipunan 8 at Tambo National High School has addressed the stigma in history. By making learning interactive, engaging, and fun, gamification helps students develop a deeper appreciation for the subject. It transforms history from a boring topic into an exciting challenge, improving student engagement, participation, and academic success. Gamification has become a key tool in making history come alive for students.
John Joenel R. Belmonte is Teacher I at Tambo National High School in Parañaque City.
The Teachers' Guide International Magazine, January 31, 2025 (ISSN 2984-9799)