by Yahna Kawaa (Guest Blogger)

Nolan’s research on the impact of game based learning highlighted the importance of teaching with creativity and passion – emphasizing both the daily challenges and pressures faced by teachers to convey content that motivates and engages students. He spoke confidently about a topic truly unique to his classroom.

The results of his intervention for both high and low achieving students were remarkable and a testament to gamification as an instructional strategy.

Nolan actively engaged the audience through several simple polling questions and spoke in a calm and pleasant voice throughout the presentation, not too slow or fast.

I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about this interesting topic.

About the Featured Student Presenter’s Project

Description of Kainoa’s project:
“This action research project explores the impacts of gamification and choice elements on student motivation and learning in a sixth grade social studies class.”

Why he chose the topic for his project:
“As a lifelong gamer and an educator, I have always been intrigued by the topic of gamification in the classroom, this project provided me the perfect opportunity to explore it in depth.”

Social Media Information:
Twitter: @kainolan
Google+: +Nolan Kainoa Bowman