Game-based School (GBS)

This collaboration explores the use of game-based learning (GBL) to enhance student engagement and skills. It aims to identify effective GBL models, investigate student preferences, and transform schools into game-based environments. Game-based learning has gained attention as an innovative educational approach that can engage and motivate children and enhance their learning experiences. In this context, there is a need to research and explore students’ choices in GBL and use that data to transform the school ecosystem into a ‘Game-based School’ This participatory action research aims to identify exemplary game-based learning models and investigate students’ diverse needs and interests in utilizing game-based learning in schools’ curricula, pedagogy and developing skills, values, and attitudes. We welcome anyone who would like to contribute their skills and knowledge in: pedagogy and practice; data collection and research; data analysis; grant-writing and fundraising; conducting case-studies, or in our exploration on if and how GBL should be used more widely in schools. Currently hosting Learning series of three parts: 1: Understanding GBL Focused on defining Game-Based Learning and distinguishing it from gamification, this session explored why GBL is effective across all grade levels and how it helps simplify complex concepts. It also addressed common challenges teachers face—such as fear of trying new methods, time constraints, and curriculum demands—and offered practical strategies to overcome them. 2: Case Studies and Practical Application Highlighting real examples and case-studies from schools using physical, digital, and board games to enhance learning. Along with featuring games by game-developers that can be adapted and used in Education. Participants discuss how they could adapt and implement the showcased games in their own classrooms, contributing ideas that would feed into a broader GBL framework. 3: Panel Discussion & Framework Building A culmination of the series, this session will bring together educators and experts to reflect on insights from the previous sessions and co-create a preliminary framework for a game-based school model. The discussion will focus on how GBL can be culturally responsive and contextually relevant while fostering student engagement and deeper learning.