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Here are some tips for a teacher to make your game (yes, yours!) easier to learn. (thread)
1. Start with a goal.
Every good lesson plan starts with a goal or standard. What do you want the players to learn and do? Be up front about this first, and you'll put them in the right frame of mind to understand the game.
So if it's a board game, you want the win condition >
Every good lesson plan starts with a goal or standard. What do you want the players to learn and do? Be up front about this first, and you'll put them in the right frame of mind to understand the game.
So if it's a board game, you want the win condition >
> and point of the game right up front. If it's a TTRPG, you want to be clear right away that this is a game where you will do BLANK.
2. Access and engage prior knowledge.
What do your players already know about games? What frames of reference might they already have? Use these as a springboard into your rules. If your game is like blackjack, SAY THAT. Is your setting like X? Say it!
What do your players already know about games? What frames of reference might they already have? Use these as a springboard into your rules. If your game is like blackjack, SAY THAT. Is your setting like X? Say it!
3. Think about what they might not know.
This is related to point 2. Not everyone has the same starting point. You need to sit and reflect on what people MUST know in order to continue through the ruleset. This seems obvious, I know, but still.
This is related to point 2. Not everyone has the same starting point. You need to sit and reflect on what people MUST know in order to continue through the ruleset. This seems obvious, I know, but still.
4. Scaffolding.
Scaffolding is breaking down information into chunks and steps that lead to a goal. You, surprise, start with prior knowledge and base knowledge and then build in complexity.
The thing with scaffolding is that each step should be a platform not only to >
Scaffolding is breaking down information into chunks and steps that lead to a goal. You, surprise, start with prior knowledge and base knowledge and then build in complexity.
The thing with scaffolding is that each step should be a platform not only to >
>reach the next scaffold, but a solid platform to stand on. Don't fast forward past each scaffold, either. Offer support at each step. Add complexity later instead of frontloading it.
5. Differentiation.
Everyone learns differently. That means you need to present your information in different ways. I'll tell you now: if your rules are only in paragraph form, I'm not going to be able to get through it.
Try lists. Try images. Try rp example dialogues.
Everyone learns differently. That means you need to present your information in different ways. I'll tell you now: if your rules are only in paragraph form, I'm not going to be able to get through it.
Try lists. Try images. Try rp example dialogues.
6. Use study guides.
Didn't you love when your teacher gave you a study guide for the big exam?
You should summarize important parts when you're done with a section. And making it a handout for players to have in front of them is even better. (this is why we have GM screens)
Didn't you love when your teacher gave you a study guide for the big exam?
You should summarize important parts when you're done with a section. And making it a handout for players to have in front of them is even better. (this is why we have GM screens)
7. Simple words, short paragraphs.
Just... you know, flowery language is great, but know that it's an obstacle.
Just... you know, flowery language is great, but know that it's an obstacle.
8. Reflection and development.
So you made a game. You're done! Yay!
Hahaha, sucker, you have more work to do. (Welcome to the world of being a teacher.)
You must reflect on your game, listen to feedback, and continue to grow. And hey, maybe you could blog about >
So you made a game. You're done! Yay!
Hahaha, sucker, you have more work to do. (Welcome to the world of being a teacher.)
You must reflect on your game, listen to feedback, and continue to grow. And hey, maybe you could blog about >
>what your learned, or post a big twitter thread or something.
Which brings me to...
9. Sharing out.
I'd be a really selfish teacher if I didn't share my cool lesson plans.
9. Sharing out.
I'd be a really selfish teacher if I didn't share my cool lesson plans.
So that's it, 9 lessons from a teacher. There is so much to be said about how education and game design are similar, but I have some things to do that I'm procrastinating on. Educators, shout out below anything you want to add!
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