Using board games as a learning tool can be a good way to approach the multidisciplinary subject area of sustainable development. Board games provide students the opportunity to experience complex simulated situations and to practice their skills in the areas of critical thinking, collaboration, negotiation, debate, problem-solving and competition. The education company Snowflake Education (see the link below) has developed board games specifically for education for sustainable development at the university level.
Teachers at Dalarna University can access four "learning packages" that incorporate the use of these board games. Each package includes preparatory material (pre-recorded lectures and assignments), a seminar (that is taught using the board game), a follow-up assignment and teacher guidance. A learning package is worth 0.5 university credits.
There is flexibility in how the material can be used: users can omit or add their own material. In addition, the material can also be used without the board game. The four learning packages are as follows:
- Values Thinking
- Systems Thinking
- Earth's Climate and Climate Change
- Life Cycle Thinking & Circular Economy
Find out more about the learning packages on www.snowflakeeducation.com.
Find out more about the games on www.snowflakeeducation.com.
All learning material, both board games and digital material, is available in Swedish and English. If you are interested in exploring or evaluating the material, trying the board games or getting a demo account for the platform with the digital teaching material, contact Johan Heier (see above).
