In this episode, I speak with Adam Watson about role-playing and gamification as serious instructional tools, not motivational add-ons.
We explore how well-designed role-play:
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Shifts students from passive responders to active decision-makers
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Lowers affective risk while increasing cognitive demand
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Uses identity, narrative, and constraints to deepen reasoning
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Supports academic discourse without overscripting language
This conversation reframes gamification as a cognitive access strategy—especially powerful in discussion-based, humanities, and problem-centered learning contexts.
Key takeaway:
If students are thinking as someone, not just answering as themselves, rigor goes up—not down.
Adam Watson LinkedIn Page (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-watson-a9756a110/)
Watson Edtech Page (https://watsonedtech.blogspot.com/)
Table-Top Role Playing Games in the Classroom Book (https://www.amazon.com/Tabletop-Role-Playing-Games-Classroom-Instruction/dp/1476697558)
Music by Aylex
