In an era where learning extends beyond traditional textbooks and classrooms, the Institute for Innovative Learning (IL), Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, hosted “Board Game Arena” on September 18, 2026, at the Master Classroom, 3rd Floor, Institute for Innovative Learning. The activity introduced an engaging approach to learning design through board games and demonstrated how gameplay can be transformed into meaningful learning experiences.
Designed for lecturers, educators, learning designers, students, and those interested in innovative approaches to education, the activity provided participants with opportunities to explore and experience the underlying principles of game mechanics through hands-on gameplay. The session highlighted that board games can serve not only as entertainment media but also as powerful learning tools that encourage analytical thinking, decision-making, communication, collaboration, and teamwork.
A key feature of the activity was Learning by Doing, through which participants explored the structural mechanisms embedded within games and experienced how gameplay can foster Systems Thinking and active engagement in learning.
The activity also provided a platform for Networking and Co-creation, bringing together educators, curriculum designers, and learners to exchange ideas and explore possibilities for integrating board games into learning design. Through interaction and collaborative exploration, participants were encouraged to consider how game-based approaches could be adapted to create more engaging and participatory learning environments.
Another important dimension was Modern Pedagogy, reflecting the integration of Educational Technology (EdTech) and Gamification into contemporary learning design. The activity demonstrated how innovative learning approaches can create new opportunities for educators to design learning experiences that are interactive, learner-centered, and connected to real-world skills.
The Board Game Arena activity represents another initiative by the Institute for Innovative Learning to promote learning innovation and innovative educational practices. By creating opportunities for educators and learners to experience alternative approaches to learning firsthand, IL continues to support the development of learning environments that encourage active participation, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Ultimately, the activity illustrated how “play” can become “learning” when thoughtfully designed and integrated into educational contexts—opening new possibilities for transforming classrooms into dynamic spaces where learners can explore, interact, make decisions, and learn through experience.
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