The Game of Education is a unique, interactive experience designed to bring the complexities of educational decision-making to life. In this game, you will assume a role within the educational ecosystem, juggle competing priorities, and engage in strategic discussions—all while working toward your own secret agenda. By cooperating, negotiating, and exerting influence, you’ll gain insights into how individual interests shape group outcomes. Below, you’ll find comprehensive, step-by-step instructions on how to get started, navigate the gameplay, and ultimately strive to become the top influencer in the game’s dynamic landscape.
At the heart of the game are four key card types—Role, Agenda, Scenario, and Voting—and four simple steps to follow in each round. These steps guide you through the entire process: setting up the scene, engaging in discussions, making strategic decisions, and reflecting on what you’ve learned.
The primary objective is to maximize your point total, as recorded on the Scorecard, by the end of all scenarios played. While everyone gains valuable professional learning from the experience, the winner is the one with the highest overall score. Points come from various sources, including cooperation, agenda fulfillment, and being voted as influential or most collaborative. By carefully balancing your own interests with those of the group, you’ll find that authentic cooperation and strategic play go hand-in-hand.
The Game of Education takes inspiration from game theory, a field exploring how rational decision-makers choose strategies within competitive and cooperative environments. Throughout the game, you’ll encounter scenarios modeled on principles such as the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Nash Equilibrium, and Zero-Sum Games. Each scenario challenges you to apply these concepts as you weigh the costs and benefits of every decision you make.
For our visual learners, Glenn has provided a step-by-step tutorial on how to play The Game of Education!
The Setup phase prepares players to immerse themselves in their roles and scenarios. Here’s how to get started:
Assign Roles
Each player selects or is assigned a Role Card. This card is public and outlines:
Your responsibilities within the educational system.
Your starting resources (coins).
Examples of roles include Superintendent, Principal,
The Setup phase prepares players to immerse themselves in their roles and scenarios. Here’s how to get started:
Assign Roles
Each player selects or is assigned a Role Card. This card is public and outlines:
Your responsibilities within the educational system.
Your starting resources (coins).
Examples of roles include Superintendent, Principal, Teacher, and Parent.
Distribute Agenda Cards
Each player is dealt an Agenda Card, which remains private.
Your Agenda outlines your secret motivation and end-goal. Use it to subtly influence decisions and score points.
Prepare Scenario and Power Cards
Shuffle the Scenario Cards and place them face down in the center.
Shuffle the Power Cards into a deck. Players can purchase these later with coins.
Distribute Coins
Give each player coins based on their Role Card. For example:
Superintendent: 6 coins
Principal: 5 coins
Teacher: 4 coins
Ready the Scorecard
Place the Scorecard in a visible location. Use it to track group and individual points throughout the game.
The discussion phase is where the game’s core dynamics come alive. Players explore scenarios, negotiate, and strategize.
Introduce the Scenario
Draw or select a Scenario Card and read it aloud to the group.
The Scenario outlines the dilemma to be resolved, providing key details about the challenge and its stakes.
Engage in Role Play
Each playe
The discussion phase is where the game’s core dynamics come alive. Players explore scenarios, negotiate, and strategize.
Introduce the Scenario
Draw or select a Scenario Card and read it aloud to the group.
The Scenario outlines the dilemma to be resolved, providing key details about the challenge and its stakes.
Engage in Role Play
Each player introduces themselves by sharing their name and role.
Discuss and Negotiate
Players deliberate on how to address the scenario, aligning with their role and secret agenda.
Use coins to negotiate alliances, sway votes, or offer compromises.
Example: A Superintendent may offer coins to a Teacher to gain support for their decision.
Use Power Cards
Players can spend 5 coins to purchase and play a Power Card at any time during this phase.
Power Cards can disrupt, enhance, or shift dynamics in the group.
This step determines the immediate outcome of the scenario and assigns points based on player actions.
Prepare to Vote
Players decide between Cooperate or Individual Interest, using their double-sided Voting Card.
Example: A Parent may vote to Cooperate for the group’s benefit, while a Teacher may prioritize Individual Interest to align with
This step determines the immediate outcome of the scenario and assigns points based on player actions.
Prepare to Vote
Players decide between Cooperate or Individual Interest, using their double-sided Voting Card.
Example: A Parent may vote to Cooperate for the group’s benefit, while a Teacher may prioritize Individual Interest to align with their agenda.
Cast Votes
All players secretly choose one side of their Voting Card.
Votes are revealed simultaneously, fostering transparency.
Tally Points
Use the Scorecard to track points based on the following:
This process ensures every aspect of the game is accounted for, creating a transparent and competitive environment. Let me know if you'd like additional refinements!
While everyone gains professional development and insight, The Game of Education names a winner—the player with the highest total points at the end of all chosen scenarios.
Once you’ve completed all scenarios, tally your final scores. The player at the top of the Scorecard is declared the winner. Even if you don’t come out on top, you’ve gained something more valuable than points: a deeper understanding of how agendas, roles, and collaboration shape educational decision-making.
Now that you understand the rules and purpose of The Game of Education, you’re ready to begin your journey into the complex world of educational decision-making.
Good luck, and may your strategies lead you to victory!
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