Classroom games add up to motivated, attentive kids

Classroom games with rewards for good behaviour can help dramatically reduce disruption and improve teaching and learning.

An evaluation of a game-based programme trialled in 21 Irish primary classes earlier this year found a very significant reduction in disruptive, inattentive and unengaged behaviours. The researchers also suggest the PAX Good Behaviour Game (GBG) be expanded to disadvantaged schools and evaluated more thoroughly over two or three years.

Earlier international studies of the PAX GBG programme have found that the team games, lasting anything from five to 45 minutes, can result in an extra hour each day of quality teaching. The games integrate normal curriculum teaching, are played at least three times a day, and increase in duration over time.