Game-Based Structural Debriefing: Development of a Pedagogical Framework for Promoting Systems Thinking Skills

• In Event: Pedagogical Applications of Systems Thinking

Abstract

Systems thinking skills required to understand complex systems have been emphasized in education as a core aspect of science literacy, and more recently, as a critical 21st century skill. Although several studies have investigated how games can be used to facilitate students’ systems thinking skills, little is known about how teachers can design game-based curricula. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of a pedagogical framework called Game-Based Structural Debriefing (GBSD) as a means to bridge the affordances of games with curriculum activities. To iteratively refine the framework in collaboration with teachers, we use design-based research to support development of a GBSD curriculum unit in the life sciences domain.

Authors

• Yoon Jeon Kim, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Oleg V. Pavlov, Worcester Polytechnic Institute