Teacher's Guide | dndineducation

In this section, you will learn how to be a Game Master (GM) and understand the benefits of game-based learning games like Dungeons and Dragons in the classroom.

What does it take to be a GM?

The GM is responsible for guiding the players on their journey and creating the world for the players to immerse themselves in. This, of course, means planning is needed.

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Planning a D&D session, is similar to planning a lesson

Consider your learning objectives
- What do you want your students to learn?
- How do you want them to demonstrate that knowledge?
Consider the materials you'll need
- Maps, short readings, pictures, videos, etc. (See Resources for pre-generated material)
Plan to incorporate obstacles and problems (lessons)
- Present these as learning opportunities.
  - What do they need to do here? How do they overcome this obstacle? (These will help your students build upon their skills and gain experience)

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Give your students choices
- For younger students, it may be difficult trying to give them full reign over their choices, however, is important that students have the ability to choose their actions
  - This makes the game player-oriented/student-oriented
Invite risks and normalize failure
- D&D is unique in that it allows players a safe space to take risks and make mistakes. This is how we learn.
  - It is important for students to understand that failure is not the opposite of success but rather a part of it.
    - As the GM, encourage students to take risks, to try and try until they manage to succeed.

Incorporate "dungeons" or "puzzle rooms"
- Consider these your tests/quizzes to check how much your students have absorbed
Create a story/world
- Your job as the DM is not to get your students actively involved in this adventure you have planned for them. You will work together to collaboratively tell this story.
  - Actions directly affect the story and evolve based on choices
  - It is important to emphasize teamwork/collaboration
- You don't have to "reinvent the wheel"
  - Check Resources for pre-generated materials and modify to fit your lessons and class
    - D&D is very flexible and is essentially what YOU make out of it