Overview: Transformative RPGs in Education

Welcome to our module on Transformative RPGs In Education! In this module, we will discuss how to work with transformative RPGs in an educational setting: where RPGs are usefull where they can be challenging; what to consider when designing and implementing; and how to frame the experience to enhance learning. 

Activities:

• * Discussion 8: RPGs in Education – Concepts

Required materials:

Readings:

Westborg, Josefin, and Sarah Lynne Bowman. In press for 2024 publication. “GM Screen: The Didactic Potential of RPGs.” In German: “Das didaktische Potential von Rollenspielen.” In #eduRPG. Rollenspiel als Methode der Bildung, edited by Frank J. Robertz and Kathrin Fischer. Gelsenkirchen: SystemMatters Publ. Available at Academia.edu: https://www.academia.edu/109659917/GM_Screen_The_Didactic_Potential_of_RPGs  (15p)

Videos:

ROCKET – Erasmus. (2025, 14 May) Educational RPGs – Josefin Westborg [Video]. YouTube. (36 min) 

Choose your own adventure! Pick materials from the follow list for a total of approx. 45 pages:

Readings:

Bowman, Sarah Lynne. 2014. “Educational Live Action Role-playing Games: A Secondary Literature Review.” In Wyrd Con Companion Book 2014, edited by Sarah Lynne Bowman, 112-131. Los Angeles, CA: Wyrd Con. (17 p)

Bowman, Sarah Lynne, and Josefin Westborg. In press for 2025 publication. “Cheat Sheet: What We Can Learn from EduLARP and Other (Non-TT-)RPGs.” In German: “Was wir von eduLARPs und anderen (Nicht-Tisch-)Rollenspielen lernen können.” In #eduRPG. Rollenspiel als Methode der Bildung, edited by Frank J. Robertz and Kathrin Fischer. Gelsenkirchen: SystemMatters Publ. Available at Academia.edu: https://www.academia.edu/109661065/Cheat_Sheet_What_We_Can_Learn_from_Edu_Larp_and_Other_Non_TT_RPGs (12 p)

Crookall, David. 2014. “Engaging (in) Gameplay and (in) Debriefing.” Simulation & Gaming, 45, no. 4-5: 416-27. (10 p)

Cullinan, Maryanne, and Jennifer Genova. 2023. “Gaming the Systems: A Component Analysis Framework for the Classroom Use of RPGs.” International Journal of Role-Playing 13: 7-17 (8 p)

Geneuss, Katrin. 2021. “The Use of the Role-playing Technique STARS in Formal Didactic Contexts.” International Journal of Role-Playing 11: 114-131 (14 p)

Harder, Sanne. 2007. “Confessions of a Schoolteacher: Experiences with Role-playing in Education.” In Lifelike, edited by Jesper Donnis, Morten Gade, and Line Thorup, 228-235. Copenhagen, Denmark: Projektgruppen KP07. (7 p)

Mochocki, Michał. 2013. “Edu-Larp as Revision of Subject-Matter Knowledge.” International Journal of Role-Playing 4: 55-76. (19 p)

Video:

Lundqvist, Miriam. 2015. “Making Mandatory Larps for Non Players – Miriam Lundqvist.” Nordic Larp Talks, February 12. (video. 6 min 47 s, counts as 13 p)