Pedagogical innovation
PLAY – Powerful Learning through Active Yields
(Group Dynamics & Board Games for Happier Students and Fulfilled Teachers)
6 days
Alberto
This immersive course combines group dynamics, board games, and gamification as powerful teaching tools to create positive, engaging, and collaborative learning environments.
Set against the inspiring backdrop of the Alentejo Coast, participants will experience active learning strategies that foster student motivation, well-being, and teamwork while boosting teachers’ professional fulfillment.
Conducted in a seaside camping site with excellent facilities, the course offers hands-on activities, peer exchange, and cultural moments in direct contact with nature.
Learning Outcomes
Participants to the course will learn to:
Use board games and group dynamics as pedagogical tools to promote cooperation and critical thinking.
Design engaging learning experiences that increase student participation.
Adapt game mechanics for different age groups and subjects.
Support students’ emotional well-being and reduce school stress.
Enhance teacher satisfaction and professional achievement.
Apply all methods learned to real school contexts.
Programme
PLAY – Powerful Learning through Active Yields
(Group Dynamics & Board Games for Happier Students and Fulfilled Teachers)
Day 1 – Welcome to the Alentejo Coast & Introduction to Group Dynamics
Group presentation and interactive icebreakers
Key concepts of group dynamics in education
Trust and cooperation activities
Exploratory walk around Vila Nova de Milfontes
Day 2 – Board Games as Educational Tools
Types of games and their learning potential
Games to stimulate logic, creativity, and social skills
Practical session: playing and analysing various games
Sunset group integration activity by the beach
Day 3 – Gamification in the Classroom
Game elements applied to teaching
Creating a “classroom challenge” inspired by game mechanics
Creative workshop: designing a mini educational game
Outdoor relaxation session
Day 4 – Cooperative Games & Conflict Resolution
Activities to promote empathy and teamwork
Mediation and positive communication strategies
Outdoor cooperative games in the camping park
Reflection and group feedback
Day 5 – Designing Meaningful Learning Experiences
Integrating games into lesson planning
Adapting for different levels and subjects
Group work: creating a gamified lesson plan
Sharing and discussion of projects
Day 6 – Practical Application & Closing
Presentation of participants’ projects
Peer-to-peer feedback
Planning application in home schools
Closing ceremony and farewell dinner
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.