As a language teacher, I have always been a great advocate of using games in the classroom. Indeed, it’s generally accepted that children learn better through play than instruction. However, I would argue that adults too benefit from playing games, though there may at first be some reluctance on their part to participate; they may feel slightly embarrassed, or worry that they are wasting their time rather than getting on with the serious business of learning.
I recently played a couple of simple games with an adult group of mine as we celebrated the last class with an apéritifs evening and, as you can see in the picture, they were certainly enjoying themselves. So, that’s one reason to play games – enjoyment – and as we all know, if we enjoy something we are going to be more receptive to learning new information. However, I was struck by another reason for playing games that night – it’s a complete leveller! With a game you all take turns, and follow the rules of the game, which means that some people who may not wish to speak in front of others who they perceive to have a higher command of the language, participate as much as those who are more confident. In addition, there’s a structure with a game which is repeated and allows students to copy others or practise language again, without feeling awkward.
I certainly concur with George Bernard Shaw and his wise insight. I for one would rather stay young. Wouldn’t you?
