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 simulated, complex situations and to practice critical thinking, collaboration, negotiation, debating, problem-solving and competition.
Board games are available that have been specifically developed for education for sustainable development at the university level, from basic introduction to advanced immersion. As a result of collaboration with the education company Snowflake Education, Dalarna University has access to classroom packages (up to about 40 students) of a number of board games. Guides for these are available to teachers for use during seminars. There is also extensive digital training material with recorded lectures and student assignments. This educational material can be used either on their own or in preparation for, and follow-up to, seminars where the games will be used.
All learning material, both board games and digital material, is available in both Swedish and English. If you are interested in exploring or evaluating the material, try the board games or get a demo account for the platform with the digital teaching material: contact Johan Heier (see Contact).
As a result of our collaboration with Snowflake Education, Dalarna University teachers can also take a course that introduces them to learning for sustainable development. There are two courses to choose from, each with a slightly different scope and design.
For more information about Snowflake Education teaching materials, visit the company's website, where you can watch the short informational videos that are available there.
Snowflake Education teaching materials (snowflakeeducation.com)
