Educational RPGs

The focus of this chapter is both to build a theoretical foundation for the use of tabletop role-playing games (tabletop RPGs) in the classroom and to provide practical examples and advice for practitioners. Part one discusses Fine’s Frame theory and bleed between frames as part of the value of tabletop RPG play in the classroom. It also discusses the impacts of tabletop RPGs on student engagement through ICAP Theory of Active Learning (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive) and Self-Determination Theory lenses and the provision of alibi as a factor in student engagement and motivation in tabletop RPGs. The second section of the chapter focuses on application. First, it discusses game design through the lens of the tabletop RPG Conceptual Matrix, using a real-life example named ‘Curse of the Clouded Temple’. It goes on to discuss aspects of the game, how to use observations of student behaviors to track learning, looking at in-game engagement through previously discussed theoretical models and ends with advice for practitioners beginning their educational tabletop RPG journey.