Educational game as the modern direction of development of active learning

Educational games are a form of familiarization with new knowledge and the consolidation of professional competences. It is the broadest concept that brings together all forms of interactive learning games. The aim of the article is to consider the form of educational games and their function. The business game is perceived as popular forms of interactive learning in general, and educational games, in particular. Within its framework can be implemented such teaching methods as a method of specific situations, the incident method, brainstorming, the shuttle method, immersion method. Educational game as interactive teaching has become one of the modern trends in the development of active learning. Speaking about the differences between active and interactive learning, the researchers emphasize the organization of relationships between students are: interaction predominates over the influence. Educational games involve changing the communication field «teacher - student». The priority becomes the principle of equal participation of actors of the cognitive process. In place of the indisputable authority of the teacher comes gradually modeling the role of tutors - accompanying. The use of competency approach in modern higher education strengthens the focus on learning outcomes. The inclusion of educational games in the learning process will help to simulate specific professional situation and to prepare the future specialist to the possible solutions.