Play as you learn
Footnote How games could be the key to relieving teenagers’ stress and spurring them on to exam success
Red suede, www.boden.co.uk EXAM time is just around the corner and it can be a struggle to get teenagers to focus on their studies – but playing games could be the answer.
Some psychologists believe traditional games and puzzles during study periods can help youngsters focus more while improving their memory and helping them to relax.
Educational psychologist Dr Kairen Cullen said: “Our brains thrive on variety and stimulation and sitting for hours in front of written text can certainly dull the appetite for learning, so the addition of traditional and computer-based games, social interaction and physical activity is to be encouraged.”
Games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, bingo and chess can provide a quality cognitive workout while being a good, socially interactive way to unwind.
Solo mindbenders such as sudoku and cryptic crosswords can improve cognitive dexterity while distracting less outgoing teens from stress but not forcing them to join in socially.
Outdoor games can help teenagers’ brains function and improve their mood. Studies have shown exercise not only aids memory (possibly by boosting blood flow to the brain) but may even improve results if done just before an exam.
Plus, exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of the hormone serotonin, associated with better mood, calmness and focus.
Here’s a guide to which games will help with different cognitive abilities. Memory Internet psychologist Graham Jones says any games that enhance visualisation will help memory.
“A classic technique is to place the facts in picture form on a familiar journey,” he said. Because you easily remember the journey you’ll then see the facts pop out as you mentally travel along the route. “So a game that improves visual thinking would be good,” he said. Vvideo games are an example of this type of game. He said: “They improve visualisation and so would help students more easily use the journey technique.” Card games such as poker and Fish are great for flexing memory muscles, and bingo can increase recall and may also improve concentration and mood. Solo activities to challenge your memory include Sudoku and solitaire. Mental dexterity and problem-solving Many exams require a high degree of mental agility to solve complex problems. Chess is good for considering alternative courses of action and risks. Poker can also help. Even Monopoly may improve powers of logical reasoning and decisionmaking. Focus and concentration Longer strategic games are a great choice if you want to improve attention span. Studies show chess is effective at increasing focus and concentration due to its complex strategic nature.
However, it may be a challenge to persuade young people to tackle chess. More immediately engaging games and puzzles which may improve focus include Risk, or one of the new breed of board games such as Carcassonne or Puerto Rico.
Jones also advises taking regular study breaks. He said: “Those who do 20 minutes, then do something else for 20 minutes and then do another 20 minutes of study, tend to do the best (in exams).”
For more on how games can boost brainpower, visit tiny.cc/WinkBingo