Combining Video Game Fun with Study Routines

Introduction

• Studying often feels like a drag, unlike playing video games.
• Video games are engaging, making players spend hours on them.
• The lecture explores how to infuse study routines with aspects of video games.

Key Ideas from Video Games

Idea 1: Well-Defined Storyline

• Video Games:
  • Have clear storylines and objectives.
  • Provide feedback on progress and attribute improvement.
  • Offer guidance through walkthroughs when players are stuck.
• Challenges in Studying:
  • Lack of clear storyline in education leads to uncertainty.
  • Students often change majors due to unclear progress.
• Power-Up: Track Your Progress
  • Implement weekly/bi-weekly self-assessments.
  • Use tools like mind maps and the "grow table" for topic progress.
  • Seek feedback consistently to define your educational story.

Idea 2: Low Risk, High Reward

• Video Games:
  • Provide unlimited attempts and low failure consequences.
  • Failures are seen positively, motivating further attempts.
• Challenges in Studying:
  • High stakes in exams like MCAT with limited attempts.
  • Large investments of time and money in preparation.
• Power-Up: Break Down Goals
  • Divide high-risk goals into manageable, low-risk tasks.
  • Focus on small learning objectives to reduce failure consequences.
  • Treat study like a game stage, learning and adapting from mistakes.

Idea 3: Instill FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

• Video Games:
  • Use daily bonuses and leaderboards to encourage regular play.
• Challenges in Studying:
  • Lack of immediate rewards or urgency in education.
  • Exams are often single-player with no external motivation.
• Power-Up: Use Social Accountability
  • Create study groups for community and competitive motivation.
  • Join platforms like Discord for study sessions and reward systems.
  • Implement personal reward systems for completed tasks.

Conclusion

• Use video game strategies to cultivate habits and achieve goals.
• Consistency, overcoming failures, and tracking progress lead to rewarding achievements.
• Video games can teach valuable strategies for improving student life.