Hello people of Scientia Terra!
Having a substitute teacher in your class can be a difficult task for both the teacher and the sub. As the teacher, what should you plan to ensure something gets done in your absence? As the sub, will the kids listen to you and get things done or will they push the limits? It is sometimes a tricky dance but I do believe that Gamification contains the answer …
When I had to plan for subs last year, which was my first true year in a gamified format, I had to write pretty unique plans because kids would try to circumvent the rules in my absence. Shop keepers would convince subs they could work the bank books and buy and sell cards while others would go into forbidden areas trying to get ahead in the game. When other students would call them out on it they would often get out of it because the sub would not know who was telling the truth. This became challenging and I needed to come up with a way to make it work so that I knew something was getting done, and fairly, while the sub was not stressed about the different environment they were in.
Then it hit me … give the Sub Super Powers!
You read that right! I decided to include substitute teachers into the storyline of my game by making them the carriers of ultra rare cards – which I called Soul Stones. Below are pictures of them …
Having a substitute teacher in your class can be a difficult task for both the teacher and the sub. As the teacher, what should you plan to ensure something gets done in your absence? As the sub, will the kids listen to you and get things done or will they push the limits? It is sometimes a tricky dance but I do believe that Gamification contains the answer …
When I had to plan for subs last year, which was my first true year in a gamified format, I had to write pretty unique plans because kids would try to circumvent the rules in my absence. Shop keepers would convince subs they could work the bank books and buy and sell cards while others would go into forbidden areas trying to get ahead in the game. When other students would call them out on it they would often get out of it because the sub would not know who was telling the truth. This became challenging and I needed to come up with a way to make it work so that I knew something was getting done, and fairly, while the sub was not stressed about the different environment they were in.
Then it hit me … give the Sub Super Powers!
You read that right! I decided to include substitute teachers into the storyline of my game by making them the carriers of ultra rare cards – which I called Soul Stones. Below are pictures of them …
These cards can only be issued by substitute teachers and are only awarded to 1 guild per class so in one day in my absence only 4 of them can be issued (1 per class). Since I rarely know when I am going to be away in advance these cards are extremely valuable. The kicker here too is that you need to earn 3 of them to unlock what they do. This has kept the students guessing as to what they will do and to be on their best behaviour when I am away because they want a Soul Stone for their guild!
What about if that does not work? Well sub can do good and bad! If you just cannot get it together then the sub can place a poison curse on you! Here is my curse card …
What about if that does not work? Well sub can do good and bad! If you just cannot get it together then the sub can place a poison curse on you! Here is my curse card …
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When you have been dealt a poisonous curse you must address me the next day and play a low percentage dice game for the antidote. If you win then I remove the curse and give you an antidote but if you lose then you perish in the game and I strip you of your gold and items. A massive, massive deterrent to students.
To make this work I also have my sub read the following paragraph as the first thing in the plans. It is a good tone setter and reminder to the students that today is worth something special. *Note* I will be modifying this each time ever so slightly to keep the story moving *Note*
To make this work I also have my sub read the following paragraph as the first thing in the plans. It is a good tone setter and reminder to the students that today is worth something special. *Note* I will be modifying this each time ever so slightly to keep the story moving *Note*
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“Greetings people of Scientia Terra, I am King/Queen (your last name here) of Sublandia. I was travelling across the land when I heard Master Heebs cry out for help. I followed a trail of clues and here I am. I have been asked to look over this land while Master Heebs is imprisoned. He has informed me that you have embarked on 2 different quests – The Shield and The Flag as well as Surviving Scientia Terra (i.e: The Poster). He would like you to keep working on these quests in his absence. As a token of gratitude for allowing me into your land I have a gift, only capable of being handed out by me making them extremely rare and even more valuable. Legend has it that a guild who holds 3 of my gifts could be showered in riches. The guild that exhibits the best demonstration of work ethic and teamwork, all crucial skills to survive this desolate land, will be awarded this great gift. Make my stay a difficult one and I could place a poisonous curse on you or your guild which could lead to death in Scientia Terra… Happy questing my friends…”
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So there you have it. Try giving your sub super powers and see how it works.
I’ve been away 1 day and in that day more questing (work) was accomplished then I could have ever hoped for!
Awesome!
Until next time …
-Master Heebs
I’ve been away 1 day and in that day more questing (work) was accomplished then I could have ever hoped for!
Awesome!
Until next time …
-Master Heebs
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