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Psychology of Gaming: Why Do People Play Games?

What motivates us to play (and keep playing) games? #UKteacher
Dr Steph Acaster
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(254)
Star Educator
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
Why do people play games? How do people play games? What can games teach us about people?

This class aims to give learners an opportunity to discuss and think about why people play games, and how people form strategies and preferences about the games they play.

As an icebreaker, learners will be asked to share a little about the games that they play. This class is suitable for players of any type of games - it can be computer/video games, tabletop games, outdoor games, sports, or something else! The main class discussion will cover a range of games, and I will tailor content where possible to the specific interests of each group of learners.

The class will follow a combined lecture and discussion format, with shared screen visuals in zoom, and cover the following topics:
- Motivation theories (Maslow's hierarchy and Flow Theory) and discussion around how these could relate to different games
- Player types (Achievers, Explorers, Socialisers, and Killers) - categorisation of games, and discussion around how this affects game playing
- How Psychology can influence game design (humour, incentives, schemas)
- How and why certain games can become addicting

No specific knowledge is required, but interest in the topics is helpful!

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The player types (Achievers, Explorers, Socialisers, and Killers) reflect styles of playing within a game (for example, selecting objectives such as unlocking rewards, finding all collectibles, connecting with other players, or beating all the enemies). Despite the name 'killers' as one category, this does not signify any specifically violent content in the context of the class, and will be discussed in terms of beating or capturing "baddies" or opponents within age-appropriate games.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
5.0
254reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Psychology from Sheffield Hallam University
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from University of Birmingham, UK
ABOUT ME
I love to learn, and I am a big advocate of following your interests - even if they might not seem compatible at first glance!
My teaching philosophy is to encourage intellectual curiosity, motivation, and aspiration in students, whatever their current stage of education.

I teach a range of subject areas, including Psychology, Biology, Music Theory, and Maths. I'm developing new ideas all the time, so please feel welcome to get in touch if there's something you'd like to see! I can also create custom sessions - so if there's something you're looking for and can't find, please just ask!


GENERAL TEACHING APPROACH
My teaching style differs depending on different topics/activities, but my general approach is to welcome students into an environment where they can engage at a level where they feel comfortable, whilst also having opportunities to reach further and learn new things. I believe that learning is forever, and that learning should never be constrained by just one syllabus/curriculum. Students tend to learn best when they are really interested in the subject, and I love to be able to give students the chance to explore their interests! 

I encourage students to tell me what they already know about a topic, and I don't assume that I'm always the expert! I believe that learners can learn from each other's experiences and knowledge too. I also encourage everyone to ask 'why' things work as they do, and to research further around topics that capture their interest.

I don't use AI tools to provide feedback to learners as I believe that feedback should be provided that is genuine and written in my own voice.

I also believe that everyone should be able to participate in my classes, so if there may be barriers or you require adjustments to allow you to participate in a class, please feel welcome to get in touch. 

Aside from initial verification when joining the session, I do not require students to use their camera for the full session (though sometimes I will request for certain activities!). I ask students to participate, but accept that this may be verbal discussion, writing in the chat box, or using zoom 'reactions' or visual cues on camera to respond during class. In general, I will invite anyone who would like to get involved to raise their hand, rather than putting an individual 'on the spot'.



MY CLASSES - OVERVIEW
I offer a range of sessions on Psychology topics - including themes such as Introduction to Neuroscience/Neuropsychology, Psychology of Music, Brain History, and Psychology of Gaming. The aim of these sessions is to capture students' interest, share knowledge from an unusual angle, and/or give space for students to discuss their interests while bringing in elements of the science of Psychology in an accessible way.

The most popular courses in 2023 were my ongoing sessions where students can further their learning in a relaxed setting, such as my Biology, Animal Anatomy, Plants, and Neuroscience colouring classes (where students can listen whilst making creative learning resources, with little pressure to answer questions and no pressure to be tested).

I offer lots of Flexible Schedule classes suitable for learners who prefer to take time to process information or to dig into a topic more deeply before coming back to discussion or to complete assignments. These classes allow students to take time to engage with material and written discussion threads outside of the constraints of a live session schedule, and spend additional time completing assignments that will encourage deeper thinking and topic enjoyment. These classes can also be great as holiday-projects!

I offer individual tutoring for students who would like to explore additional topics in Psychology, Biology, Mathematics, or Music. These sessions can be used to supplement other classes, as an individualised study session/program, or as subject-related mentoring.

For all my classes, if you don't see a suitable section scheduled, please do reach out as I can often fit in additional meetings!


WHAT ELSE DO I GET UP TO?
As well as teaching online on Outschool and independently, I also work as an Associate Lecturer in Psychology at the Open University. When I'm not teaching, I can usually be found practicing the violin, playing in orchestra, reading, and learning new things.

I previously completed a PhD in Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience, which involved using EEG (an electrical brain recording method) to investigate visual perception. I have taught high school and university level Psychology classes since 2014, and I have tutored in Biology, Maths, and Music Theory since 2018. I started to learn the violin as an adult and progressed through to ABRSM Grade 8 in violin and AMusTCL Diploma level in music theory!

Reviews

Live One-Time Class
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$14

per class
Meets once
55 min

Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-6 learners per class

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