“Draw” a card: An Exploration of Board Games as a Pedagogical Tool in Art School

Abstract

This study utilizes game-based learning to develop creativity and idea communication skills by exploring visual metaphor and storytelling within two specific visual interpretation games - Dixit and Mysterium. Sessions included one hour of game-play during which the three undergraduate participants discussed artistic elements within the games and collaborated to solve clues, followed by an hour of art-making. Exposing participants to artwork within the realms of board games inspired storytelling through images and explored visual communication techniques through an engaging learning process. Data collected included fieldnotes, photographic documentation of the artwork produced, a questionnaire and interviews. Results revealed that participants benefited from a collaborative and enjoyable learning process that translated into increased peer engagement and motivation to learn. Developments in creativity and idea communication were observed that are supported by participants’ opinions. In conclusion, participants unanimously expressed that they prefer learning from a game-based strategy over traditional methods.