#12 - Playful Learning in the classroom: RPGs as effective mediums of instruction

Today’s post comes to us from playful learning enthusiast, Abhijith Giridhar.

"Knowledge rooted in experience shapes what we value and as a consequence how we know what we know as well as how we use what we know."  - Bell Hooks

Experiential learning, as expressed profoundly by Bell Hooks, is knowledge gained with passion and interest and in turn, plays a crucial role in how it is put to use in various real-life scenarios. Learning becomes a source of satisfaction when both the mind and body are effectively involved in the process and for children, it is absolutely necessary that such a wholesome experience is what defines education. As a child in a system where learning was restricted to the confines of a classroom, my primary concern now is to erase the concept of stagnant and non-interactive teaching techniques. 

Dianne Ackerman famously said, "Play is our brain's favorite way of learning", which led me to wonder why the integration of play learning techniques still remains uncommon and rare in our homes and schools. This question inspired me to experiment with a playful learning curriculum for two years with a class of around 40 students. This medium helps children build critical thinking, sparks curiosity, facilitates learning by doing, and fosters their creativity. It also helps children build their confidence which aids them in expressing their thoughts with precise articulation.

With the pandemic forcing the shut down of schools, children have been missing out on everyday practical learning opportunities. We could contribute towards a richer learning experience virtually by creating, developing, and indulging in games with children. Mathematical concepts like Profit and Loss and even The World Wars can be taught experientially by the creation of a game universe. Children can design their characters, bestow upon them powers and help them level up and grow while learning these concepts in a more interactive and effective way. 

The concept of RPG [Role playing games] as an effective method of instruction was inspired by my childhood spent with my nose buried in detective novels such as Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and The Famous Five. The idea of kids spending their vacations in exciting places and simultaneously being exposed to practical learning such as effective communication, decision-making abilities, an eye for detail, and many other life skills was an eye-opener.

I learned, with time and the implementation of these games in classrooms, that Role-playing games[RPGs] generally, improve 4 core concepts 

1. Creativity 

2. Writing skills 

3. Reading 

4. Communication

I also learned that these RPG scenarios need not be restricted to fantastical scenarios but can be created and simulated in historical settings too.

The steps that go into building a great RPG scenario for students are:

1. Theme: A strong structure or subject around which the narrative of the game is built.

2. Personalization of the narrative: For a comprehensive view of the events being narrated.

3. Being open to change in the narrative: Allow children to research and build their narratives. You could design and add side quests or continuations to the main game. These quests/ narratives/storylines can build and create other hypothetical situations as well.

There are various ways to interact with children in virtual classrooms through RPGs to encourage them to explore, observe, and discover the joy of learning in the safety of their homes. I list few resources here which have helped me in the process -  

1. The articles RPG gaming with children and gaming with children are good introductory reading materials, to begin with.

2. Kidadl's amazing article will help parents understand and build convincing narratives aimed towards children and teens.

3. If you are wondering about the advantages of playing RPGs with children, This article will surely help.

4. There are a lot of readily available RPG board games in the market. Gizmodo has curated some of the best games for different age groups here. Personally, I loved the bubblegumshoe game and Dungeon mayhem game which are suitable for young teens.

5. John Hunter, a secondary school teacher has mastered the art of game-based learning in classrooms. His Ted Talk was the initial push to start experimenting with games in my classroom. You could read about the game he plays with children on his website or read about it in his book.

Hence, RPGs offer a versatile experience in learning techniques as they help in children discover various possibilities of learning areas. RPGs also help integrate a feedback loop into education which is possible as children witness the consequences of their actions almost immediately.

Bell Hooks, in her inspiring poignance, says, "When everyone in the classroom, teacher and students, recognizes that they are responsible for creating a learning community together, learning is at its most meaning and useful." And rightfully so because when the community believes in the strength of the purpose of education, the experience is indeed more meaningful.

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Abhijith Giridhar is an educator, game designer, and playful learning enthusiast. He is the co-founder of Games for Ed and currently builds curriculum for CampK12. Prior to this Abhijith has worked with Teach For India and Meghshala.