INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Pathfinder: a modified collaborative game for learning and team development

Julie H. Oestreich

University of Findlay College of Pharmacy

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6043-3698

Racheal Hendershot

University of Findlay College of Pharmacy

Susan J Lewis

University of Findlay College of Pharmacy

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9876-2948

Jason W. Guy

University of Findlay College of Pharmacy

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8564-0116

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v16i3.6187

Keywords: game-based learning, pathfinder, gamification, active-learning, pharmacy education

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Abstract

Introduction: Serious games and other active learning techniques provide an opportunity for engaging, situation-based learning opportunities that allow for immediate feedback and student empowerment when designed well. Previous categories of games successfully incorporated into the classroom range from computer simulations to escape rooms. However, many of these games require significant time commitments and otherwise remain burdensome for faculty to integrate easily across other topics and themes.

Description of Innovation: The authors modified a team leadership activity to create a new Pathfinder® game for recruitment and educational purposes. The highly cooperative and interactive maze design embeds a quiz to retrieve knowledge. In the novel Pathfinder® game, participants are tasked with finding their way out of a square maze on the floor. Participants physically move throughout the maze and answer quiz questions as they correctly navigate a pre-determined path known only by the game master. Previous implementations of the Pathfinder® game include in-class learning, team-building, and prospective student recruitment. At the end of the game, one class of students were surveyed to gather feedback.

Findings: A descriptive survey was used to gather 36 student responses of which, 75% agreed or strongly agreed that the game enhanced their learning experience, while 86% of students felt the game was fun and/or engaging. Pros of the game include providing a low stakes mechanism for students to assess their knowledge and work on team building and communication. Additionally, Pathfinder® is highly adaptable to other disciplines/content areas and requires a relatively low amount of prep time.  However, space needs to be considered prior to starting the game.

Summary: Pathfinder® is an interactive game using a maze design that allows for learning through a series of questions and knowledge retrieval practice. Most students found the game engaging and felt that it increased their understanding of material. Pathfinder® provides an opportunity for students to work on communication and knowledge retention in an engaging and highly adaptable format that can be used for a variety of topics and disciplines.