The journey of Election Lab started as a simple math lesson but evolved into something much greater. It evolved into an engaging game that unexpectedly encouraged civility among players. Designed to teach mathematical concepts and strategic thinking, Election Lab has demonstrated a unique capacity to foster respectful interactions and higher-level thinking among players of all ages.
From Classroom to Civility Lab
While playing the game, students showed a remarkable shift in their behavior. The students were deeply engaged in the game. While playing, they were not just learning strategy. Indeed, they were engaging in more respectful discussions. This transformation wasn’t limited to elementary students. Middle schoolers, high schoolers, college students, and even adults experienced the same effect.
Election Lab created an environment where the focus was on critical thinking rather than political divisions.Interestingly, it appears that that leads to more civil and thoughtful interactions. It is quite an innovative way to nurture these essential life skills, isn’t it?
How Strategic Game-play Reduces Emotional Reactions
One of the most surprising outcomes was how the strategic nature of the Election Lab Game reduced emotional tension. Politics is often deeply personal and emotionally charged. By focusing on electoral strategy rather than political ideology, students are not pressured to support a particular side. This shift allowed them to engage in political discourse without the heated emotions that often accompany real-world elections.
A Game for Every Age Group. A Tool for All Education Levels
Election Lab isn’t just a game. Election Lab is a tool that can be adapted to various educational contexts. Whether in middle school, high school, college, or even beyond, the game’s principles remain the same: encourage strategic thinking and promote civil discourse. These observations suggest that Election Lab could be an invaluable resource for educators of all ages seeking innovative ways to develop these vital skills in their students.
Election Lab is not just for youth. Indeed, adults experience a similar transformation. While we often assume that adults have a better grasp of political logic, many political discussions among grown-ups are still emotionally charged. The game provides a structured, nonpartisan way to explore elections, helping participants of all ages engage with the process more objectively. By removing the emotional weight of partisanship, Election Lab creates a space where strategy takes center stage.
Understanding how games like Election Lab shape behavior is crucial. We are looking forward to continuing to explore how game-based learning like this one can be used to promote not just academic knowledge but also these essential life skills.
Conclusion: Transforming Political Discourse Through Play
Election Lab has shown that games can do more than just teach academic content. Games can be powerful tools for fostering civility and critical thinking. How does Election Lab do that? It is our theory that while playing Election Lab, players shift their focus from partisanship to strategy. As a result, the game helps players engage in the electoral process without bias or pressure. In an era where political discourse is often divisive, tools like Election Lab provide a refreshing way to teach democracy.
Indeed, this innovative approach to learning is not only one that is engaging and educational, but more importantly, the one that fosters being more civil to each other. And, that is better done when being in a respectful and engaging learning environment. As we continue to explore and refine these tools, the potential for educational transformation and societal impact is immense.
Dr. Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, internist, hospitalist, healthcare & education innovator & Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA. She is a career mentor & advisor to numerous undergraduate, graduate & postgraduate students & faculty. As a researcher, Dr. Criley received awards from the National Institutes of Health & the U.S. Department of Education Her work focuses on creating research-driven #edtech games & digital media to improve health, civics, science education & promote healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a sought-after speaker & a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md
Is this only a digital game or is there hands on materials? Where would I purchase it and how much is the game,