Education

Thinking Critically: A D&D Discussion

For this episode I'm joined by Sam Cheung, known online as the Educational DM, who takes us through his years of experience in the educational and pastoral applications of Dungeons & Dragons. We discuss the various ways players can learn through D&D, for students and new players alike. Although the obvious challenges are arithmetic and creativity, Sam and I investigate the deeper ways players can improve themselves while playing. Questioning why the Queen wants you to despatch those "bandits", that is to say, who is most likely to benefit from this task, can help players strengthen that vitally important ability to think critically. Likewise, finding space between the bombast to build those social relationships can be a useful training ground for many, allowing them a trustable arena to migrate out of their comfort zones. After everything, of course, the real treasure was the friends we made along the way!

• 03:26 - Exploring Education Through D&D
• 10:55 - How Design Promotes Learning
• 39:51 - Building Trust
• 45:44 - Educating New Players

Find Sam on:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/educationaldm/home
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DmEducational
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmeducate/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DmEducational
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNObiWbwQzha7KxmAwpZdPQ
• Dump Stat Adventures: https://dumpstatadventures.com/guest-writers

Find me on:

• Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThinkCritDnD
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH_BSgazjwyshzo1jazHeaQ
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thinkingcritically
• Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thinkingcritically

References:

• Game to Grow
• 'Inspirisles' by Hatchlings Games
• 'Wanderhome' by Possum Creek Games
• Dr. Megan Connell on Dragon Talk

Patrons:

• Matt Street @mpstreet88: https://www.virtualtimehustle.com/

Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod