Innovative Teaching: Board Games Illuminate the Path to Climate Change Awareness
In an era where the global climate crisis demands heightened awareness, an English professor at John Carroll University near Cleveland, Ohio, is adopting a unique approach to educate students. Debra Rosenthal intertwines board games with her English class, Environmental Literature, creating an interdisciplinary learning experience for students concurrently enrolled in a biology class on Climate Change: Global Impacts.
Rosenthal's unconventional method challenges traditional classroom norms, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of climate change's intricacies. Isidora Djukic, a student in Rosenthal's class, initially questioned the efficacy of learning about climate change through board games. However, Rosenthal's intention was clear – to allow students to explore the impact of their ideas and experiences on climate change collaboratively.
The chosen game, "Solutions," breaks away from the competitive nature of traditional board games. Instead of vying for victory, students collectively strategize to reduce global temperatures. The absence of a winner transforms the game into a platform for open discussions and shared decision-making, encouraging students to consider the collaborative aspect of addressing climate challenges.
As Rosenthal describes the classroom dynamics during the game, laughter, disagreements, and voting add a social element to the learning process. Djukic attests that the unconventional approach provided a balance between enjoyment and tackling the seriousness of climate change.
The initiative addresses a broader issue - the lack of comprehensive climate education in American high schools. Djukic notes that the connected classes at John Carroll University enable students to take a profound dive into the science of global climate change, offering a more holistic perspective.
Rosenthal's endeavor aligns with the efforts of climate educators globally. Megan Yousef, a climate educator based in Cleveland, has used a game called Climate Fresk to simplify the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, making it more accessible for discussions. Yousef highlights the power of games in bringing people together and energizing them to contribute to their communities.
The global reach of climate change games, such as Climate Fresk, emphasizes the interconnected nature of climate issues. Djukic notes that the games reveal a crucial lesson – in the complex game of climate change, no individual wins; it's either collective collaboration or shared suffering.
This innovative approach to climate education not only engages students but also underscores the urgency of fostering a sense of shared responsibility in addressing climate change. As classrooms become spaces for collaborative learning, board games emerge as powerful tools in shaping the perspectives of the next generation.
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