The Spartan LevelThe Spartan Level
Starting this semester (Spring 2012), the Spartan Level will be my way of reflecting on efforts to engage students in the classroom. After a dismal Fall 2011 semester, I started researching ways to get students to want to learn (however, I’m always reminded of the proverb “You can lead a horse to water …”) This semester had to be different. It had to be something the students could relate to.
What I found was a new book — The Multiplayer Classroom by Lee Sheldon.
Mr. Sheldon proposes that the classroom can be structured like a game. This gamification of the classroom is very intriguing and the information in his book provides the flexibility to create courses as you wish. The case studies are very helpful providing other educator’s thoughts.
So, the Spartan Level was created. Since Castleton State College’s mascot is the Spartan it made sense to adapt classroom gamification and associated levels to the Spartan — and in my context … the warrior of the classroom.
I’m not going full-on game terminology in the courses this semester. The general feel of a game is there and looking back on it the structure has always been there, too. Points were awarded for completing assignments and tests, but now students are encouraged to gain Experience Points (XP) for their efforts. The more points they get, the higher up in the Spartan Level they get.
I’ve started Level 1 as the Grasshopper Level (I know cross cultural reference, but there will be growth). Level 11 becomes the Practioner Level. Level 18 is the Expert Level. The ultimate level — Level 20 … is … the … Spartan Level. In other words a perfect score.
Over the remainder of the semester I will post more information about my efforts, reactions of the students, and reactions of other faculty.
Tomorrow is the first day. I look forward to the start of a fresh, new semester.
I almost forgot … to add to the Spartan spirit I acquired a real Spartan Helmet. Who knows I just might wear it … for I am Scottacus!
