Using Gimkit for Test Prep and Review

Exams and assessments are a fundamental part of education, but preparing for them doesn’t have to be a monotonous grind. Imagine a review session where students are not just passively absorbing information, but actively competing, collaborating, and genuinely enjoying the process. This is the power of gamified learning, and Gimkit is a platform at the forefront of this educational shift. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Gimkit to create dynamic, effective, and engaging test prep and review sessions that your students will actually look forward to.

What is Gimkit?

Gimkit is a live learning game show platform created by a high school student who wanted to make studying more fun. It transforms traditional question-and-answer drills into exciting games that students play on their own devices. Educators create or import a set of questions, called a “Kit,” and students compete to earn in-game cash by answering them correctly.

The core loop is simple: answer questions to earn money, then use that money to buy power-ups and upgrades. This adds a layer of strategy that keeps students engaged far longer than a standard quiz. By blending academic content with game mechanics, Gimkit turns test review from a chore into a compelling experience.

Why Gimkit is a Game-Changer for Test Prep

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” Integrating Gimkit into your review strategy offers significant benefits for both educators and students, moving beyond simple memorization to foster deeper engagement and understanding.

For Students:

• Increased Engagement: The game-based format, complete with currency, upgrades, and power-ups, is inherently motivating. Students are more likely to participate actively when learning feels like playing.
• Reduced Test Anxiety: A fun, low-stakes game environment can help ease the pressure associated with test preparation. It reframes studying as a positive and collaborative activity rather than a solitary, stressful task.
• Active Recall Practice: Gimkit requires students to actively retrieve information to answer questions, which is a far more effective study method than passive review (like rereading notes). This repeated recall strengthens neural pathways and improves long-term retention.
• Strategic Thinking: The in-game economy encourages students to think strategically. Should they save up for a big upgrade or spend their earnings on smaller, immediate advantages? This adds another layer of critical thinking to the session.

For Educators:

• Effortless Differentiation: Students progress at their own pace. Those who answer quickly can earn more and engage with the game’s strategic elements, while others can take their time to work through the material without being left behind.
• Real-Time Data and Insights: As students play, Gimkit collects data on their performance. You can instantly see which questions are causing the most trouble or which students might need extra support, allowing for immediate intervention.
• Time-Saving Content Creation: You don’t always have to start from scratch. Gimkit allows you to import existing question sets from platforms like Quizlet or spreadsheets. You can also search a vast library of public Kits created by other educators.
• Versatile and Flexible: Gimkit can be used for live in-class sessions, assigned as independent practice, or used in team-based collaborative modes. This flexibility allows it to fit into various classroom structures and lesson plans.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Gimkit for Review

Ready to transform your test prep? Here’s how to get started with Gimkit and run a successful review session.

Step 1: Create Your Question Kit

The foundation of any Gimkit game is a solid set of questions. This is your “Kit.”

1. Sign Up and Log In: Create a free educator account on the Gimkit website.
2. Create a New Kit: From your dashboard, click “New Kit.” Give it a name (e.g., “Chapter 5 History Review”), choose a language, and select a subject.
3. Add Your Questions: You have several options for populating your Kit:
4. • Add Question: Manually type in your question, provide the correct answer, and add at least one incorrect answer (distractor). You can also add photos to questions for visual context.
   • Import from Quizlet: If you already have study sets on Quizlet, simply paste the link to import them directly into Gimkit. This is a massive time-saver.
   • Import from a Spreadsheet: Use Gimkit’s template to format your questions and answers in a CSV file and upload it.
   • Use KitCollab: This fantastic feature allows students to contribute to the question set. Give them the KitCollab link, and they can submit questions and answers for you to approve. This promotes ownership and gets students thinking like a teacher.

For a comprehensive review, aim for a Kit with at least 20-30 questions to ensure variety and prevent repetition during the game.

Step 2: Choose the Right Game Mode

Gimkit isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool. It offers various game modes, each suited for different learning objectives. When you’re ready to play, click “Play Live” on your Kit to see the options.

• Classic: This is the original free-for-all mode where students compete individually to earn the most money. It’s high-energy, competitive, and great for a fast-paced final review.
• Teams: Students are automatically grouped into teams and their earnings are pooled. This mode is excellent for fostering collaboration and encouraging peer-to-peer teaching.
• Trust No One: An “Among Us” inspired mode where students work to identify “Impostors” while still answering questions. It adds a social deduction element that is incredibly engaging, though it may be more focused on the game than the content. Best for a fun, end-of-unit celebration.
• The Floor is Lava: Students must answer questions correctly to build their way to the top and stay above the rising lava. It’s a thrilling race against time that emphasizes speed and accuracy.

For test prep, Classic and Teams are often the most effective choices. Teams mode is particularly powerful for review, as it encourages students to discuss answers and help each other understand difficult concepts.

Step 3: Run Your Review Session

Once you’ve selected a game mode, you’ll be taken to the game lobby.

1. Share the Game Code: A unique join code will appear on your screen. Students go to gimkit.com/join on their devices and enter the code to join the game.
2. Customize Game Options: Before starting, you can set a goal for the game. This can be based on time (e.g., 15 minutes), a race to a certain cash amount, or until the entire class reaches a collective earnings goal. For review, a time-based game of 15-20 minutes is usually ideal.
3. Start the Game!: Once all students are in, press start. Your screen will display a leaderboard, while students will see questions on their devices.
4. Monitor and Facilitate: As the game unfolds, walk around the room. Listen to the discussions in Teams mode. Keep an eye on the dashboard to see which questions are being missed frequently. This is your chance to provide real-time feedback and clarification.

Step 4: Analyze the Results

The learning doesn’t stop when the game ends. Gimkit provides a detailed post-game report that is an invaluable assessment tool.

• Overall Accuracy: The report gives you a percentage for whole-class accuracy, offering a quick snapshot of general comprehension.
• Question Breakdown: The most powerful feature is the question-by-question analysis. You can see exactly what percentage of students answered each question correctly. A question with a low success rate is a clear signal that the concept needs to be retaught or reviewed further.
• Student-Specific Data: You can also drill down to see how individual students performed. This helps you identify who might need one-on-one support before the test.

Use this data to guide your final review session. Spend time going over the top 3-5 most-missed questions as a class, opening the floor for discussion and clarification.

Conclusion: Ace Your Next Test Prep Session

Gimkit does more than just make studying entertaining; it aligns perfectly with effective pedagogical practices. It leverages active recall, provides immediate feedback, enables differentiation, and supplies educators with actionable data. By turning review sessions into a strategic and collaborative game, you can boost student engagement, deepen content knowledge, and lower test anxiety.

The next time a test is on the horizon, don’t just hand out another study guide. Power up your review with Gimkit and watch your students get excited about showing what they know.

Please click here for more info