Exploration: Wardopoly—Game-Based Experiential Learning in Nurse Leadership Education

Abstract

Aspects of leadership and management are mandatory within UK preparation for nurse registration though when delivered through relatively passive lectures to large numbers of students, it is not surprising students struggle with applying the concepts to clinical practice. This exploration describes how a deliberate play-based strategy used Wardopoly, a bespoke in-house practice-based board-game adopting clinical simulation principles and game mechanics adapted from the Monopoly genre to empower students to voluntarily adopt actively engaged, self-determining learning behaviours. The success of Wardopoly as a learning tool is evidenced through student self-reported statements describing play as an enjoyable, thought provoking approach relevant to personal practice, prompting identification of future learning opportunities. The authors share positive and developmental pedagogical insights gained from embedding play and Wardopoly in the classroom.