71% of teachers said they saw “improvement in student numeracy and computational thinking.” Minecraft Education Edition The game also requires tons of reading, sequencing, and mathematical reasoning. When moving around the virtual world of Minecraft, students use cardinal directions and other map skills. There are also many academic benefits to using Minecraft. Many teachers who have used Minecraft as an educational tool have said that communication is another top skill learned and improved. Minecraft can help build all of these in students. These skills include things like teamwork, communication, time management, and self-motivation. Currently, over 40% of jobs require soft skills. Using and playing Minecraft in the classroom can also foster social and emotional learning. Problem-solving is one of the main skills that is looked for when applying for jobs. 98% of teachers said that problem solving was the top skill that students were able to take away. According to Minecraft Education Edition, teachers using Minecraft as an educational tool found “significant improvements in creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and computational thinking skills” in their students. Minecraft can be used to teach many important 21st century skills.
How can Minecraft be used in the classroom? Minecraft is a blocky virtual world in which you can create buildings, explore the landscape, and battle mobs. In fact, in 2020 almost 131 million people played Minecraft monthly! It is considered one of the top-selling games of all time. In the last few years, Minecraft has become one of the most played games by kids ages 10 and up. You can use Minecraft as an educational tool! As a teacher or parent, you can reinforce concepts that students are learning in the classroom by using a fun and engaging platform like Minecraft - one that many kids might already be familiar with. Teaching in 2021 can be tough and keeping students engaged can be even tougher.