Pedagogical innovation
BGAME Algarve – Board Games for Engaged Learning & Local Discovery
6 days
Alberto
In a world where learners are constantly bombarded by stimuli, traditional teaching methods often fail to engage. That’s where board games come in — not just as entertainment, but as powerful tools to transform the classroom into a space of collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
B.G.A.M.E. Algarve is a 6-day immersive course set in the inspiring coastal village of Monte Gordo, southern Portugal. Designed for teachers and educators from all levels, the course combines educational game design with the natural and cultural richness of the Algarve.
Participants will explore how board games can promote deeper learning, inclusion, emotional engagement and even sustainability education. Through hands-on game sessions, design labs, field trips to the nearby Ria Formosa and salt pans, and reflection circles, you'll discover how play can bring your teaching to life — and leave with your own classroom-ready educational board game.
✅ What’s Included
Constant Support: Participants are added to a dedicated WhatsApp, Viber or other chat group to ensure smooth communication throughout the course week.
Erasmus+ Ready: The course is designed to align with Erasmus+ funding requirements, both in content and pricing.
Flexible Conditions: We understand plans can change — we offer adaptable options with minimal restrictions.
All-Inclusive Learning Journey: From interactive sessions and coffee breaks to cultural activities, we ensure a rich and well-rounded experience.
Learning Outcomes
Participants to the course will learn to:
Understand the pedagogical value of board games across disciplines
Identify and apply different game mechanics to learning outcomes
Create and adapt curriculum-based educational board games
Foster engagement, motivation, and teamwork in the classroom
Use games to promote sustainability, inclusion, and European values
Integrate game-based strategies into lesson planning and assessment
Connect learning with place, culture, and environmental awareness
Programme
BGAME Algarve – Board Games for Engaged Learning & Local Discovery
🟢 Day 1 – Why Play? The Pedagogical Power of Games
Welcome & Icebreaker Games on the beach dunes
Presentation: “From Play to Pedagogy”
Workshop: Matching Game Mechanics to Learning Goals
Reflection walk along the Monte Gordo coast and pine forest
🔵 Day 2 – Know the Game: Exploring Types & Mechanics
Hands-on Labs: Playing 5 Educational Board Games
Categorizing games: Strategy, Logic, Cooperation, Storytelling, Programming, etc.
Group Discussion: Strengths and Limits of Board Games
Sunset debrief near the salt flats of Castro Marim
🟠 Day 3 – Create It! Game Design Part I
Mini-training: Visual Thinking, Game Elements & Prototyping
Group Challenge: Start Designing Your Own Educational Game
Outdoor creative session by the Guadiana riverbanks
🟡 Day 4 – Test & Improve: Game Design Part II
Game Playtesting between teams
Feedback & Iteration Round
Building classroom facilitation materials
Pop-up Board Game Café with the local community
🟣 Day 5 – Bring It to School: Implementation & Assessment
Morning Cultural & Eco Excursion: Visit to Castro Marim castle and salt pans, or guided nature walk in the Reserva Natural do Sapal
Workshop: Guided Debate – What Can (and Can’t) Be Assessed Through Games?
Case Studies: Innovative Classrooms Using Games
Group Presentations: Your Game & Lesson Plan
Peer Feedback & Wrap-Up Circle under carob or olive trees
🟤 Day 6 – Discover & Celebrate
Lunch outdoors with local flavours and stories
Final Circle: Reflections, Sharing & Next Steps
Certificate Ceremony in a meaningful local spot (beach, terrace or heritage site)
ℹ️ Important Information
Certificate of Attendance: Participants who complete at least 80% of the course will receive an official certificate on Friday or Saturday.
Course Schedule: Sessions are scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, based on group needs and trainer availability. Please note that the final programme may vary depending on participants’ expectations and group dynamics. If there’s a specific topic you'd like to explore, let us know at least 4 weeks in advance. The final schedule is shared approximately 2 weeks before the course.
Materials, digital tools & other learning resources
Course participants will receive training and engage in exercises designed to develop their skills as trainers. The provision of additional materials or resources will be determined based on the course structure and the instructor’s approach to meeting the learning objectives
Course package content:
Services and activities included in the course package are those described above. Please note that accommodation, transport, and meals are not provided.
Cancellation & changes:
Common sense prevails when it comes to cancellations, which are analyzed on a case-by-case basis.