What are the best game-based learning techniques for enhancing creativity training?

2 Divergent thinking

Another important component of creativity is divergent thinking, which is the ability to generate many different ideas or solutions for a given problem or topic. Divergent thinking helps you to expand your range of options, avoid fixation on a single idea, and discover novel or unexpected connections. Divergent thinking can be enhanced by game-based learning techniques that stimulate your imagination, challenge your boundaries, and reward your originality. For example, you can use games that involve creating or modifying objects, characters, or environments, using various constraints or criteria. You can also use games that involve combining or recombining different elements, genres, or styles, to create something new or surprising.

3 Convergent thinking

While divergent thinking is useful for generating ideas, convergent thinking is necessary for evaluating and selecting the best ideas. Convergent thinking is the ability to analyze, compare, and synthesize ideas or solutions, based on logic, criteria, or goals. Convergent thinking helps you to refine your ideas, eliminate irrelevant or impractical options, and focus on the most promising or feasible ones. Convergent thinking can be improved by game-based learning techniques that require you to apply your critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving skills. For example, you can use games that involve testing, validating, or optimizing your ideas or solutions, using various metrics or feedback. You can also use games that involve presenting, explaining, or defending your ideas or solutions, using various arguments or evidence.

4 Intrinsic motivation

One of the main benefits of game-based learning is that it enhances your intrinsic motivation, which is the drive to learn or create for your own interest, enjoyment, or satisfaction. Intrinsic motivation is a powerful factor for creativity, as it increases your engagement, persistence, and self-efficacy. Intrinsic motivation can be boosted by game-based learning techniques that appeal to your curiosity, autonomy, and mastery. For example, you can use games that offer you choices, challenges, and rewards, that match your preferences, skills, and goals. You can also use games that provide you with feedback, recognition, and support, that acknowledge your progress, achievements, and contributions.

5 Collaborative learning

Another advantage of game-based learning is that it facilitates collaborative learning, which is the process of learning or creating with others. Collaborative learning can enhance your creativity, as it exposes you to diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills. It also allows you to share, exchange, and build on ideas, as well as to receive and give feedback, guidance, and encouragement. Collaborative learning can be supported by game-based learning techniques that promote communication, cooperation, and coordination. For example, you can use games that involve working in teams, groups, or networks, to achieve a common goal or outcome. You can also use games that involve negotiating, compromising, or integrating different ideas, solutions, or approaches.

6 Transferable skills

The final benefit of game-based learning is that it develops transferable skills, which are skills that can be applied to different contexts, domains, or situations. Transferable skills are essential for creativity, as they enable you to adapt, generalize, and apply your knowledge, skills, and ideas, to new or different problems or opportunities. Transferable skills can be acquired by game-based learning techniques that expose you to various scenarios, tasks, or challenges, that require you to use your creativity in different ways. For example, you can use games that involve switching roles, perspectives, or modes of thinking, to gain new insights or experiences. You can also use games that involve transferring or adapting your ideas, solutions, or approaches, to different settings, audiences, or purposes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?