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| Let's bring the world of tabletop RPGs into the classroom! |
I hope to do this in future blog posts, but for now let's address some questions you may have:
What is a tabletop role playing game?
A tabletop role-playing game, or TRPG, is essentially a structured game of make believe. It combines acting, storytelling and imagination. Most TRPGs use rules, called game mechanics, to provide a way to resolve actions within the game. There is almost always one player, usually called a Game Master, who describes what is happening in the game, and who adjudicates the rules.
That sounds interesting, but how does that translate into a classroom setting?
I'm glad you asked! I believe that TRPGs are a perfect tool for educating children. Games, in general are a tool that is often neglected. TRPGs can encourage children to speak in an EFL class, teach them about history, introduce them to complicated ideas.
Wait a minute! This sounds like that Dungeons & Dragons game! You can't seriously want to bring that into the classroom!
Yes, Dungeons & Dragons is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) TRPG, but it's not the only one. There are hundreds of games for a teacher to choose from, in various languages. Not all TRPGs are suitable for children, and some may be too dense or complicated. A teacher needs to be familiar with the game he is choosing, and must incorporate it into the lesson properly. While having fun is part of playing a game, the educator must make sure the students are learning something at the same time.
Well that's all for now! Hopefully I will have lots of new information for you next time!
