{"id":22712,"date":"2024-01-09T02:29:30","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T02:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/?p=22712"},"modified":"2024-01-17T02:22:29","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T02:22:29","slug":"game-your-way-to-a-greener-tomorrow-sustainability-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/2024\/01\/09\/game-your-way-to-a-greener-tomorrow-sustainability-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Your Way to a Greener Tomorrow: Sustainability Education"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"display: none;\">No textbooks, just cards! \ud83c\udccf ‘Getting to Zero’ dives into sustainability education through the power of play! \ud83c\udf31<\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-MY\"><b><i>Contributed by <strong><span lang=\"EN-SG\"><span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dr.ntu.edu.sg\/cris\/rp\/rp01539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dr Tricia Seow<\/a><\/span><span lang=\"EN-SG\"><span> and Ms Radiah Maria Belak, <\/span><\/span>from the\u00a0National Institute of Education, Singapore<\/strong><\/i><\/b><b><i>, for<\/i><\/b><b><span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/virtual-staff-lounge\/\"><b><i>SingTeach<\/i><\/b><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/virtual-staff-lounge\/\"><b><span>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/virtual-staff-lounge\/\"><b><i>Virtual Staff Lounge<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>As climate change casts a long shadow over our future, the global spotlight is on sustainability, emphasising the crucial need for innovative sustainability education. At the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NIE NTU, Singapore), the <a href=\"https:\/\/sll.hsse.nie.edu.sg\/\">Sustainability Learning Lab (SLL)<\/a> stands as a cornerstone in addressing this imperative. Established on September 26, 2022, the SLL is a research centre committed to conducting and supporting studies and practices in sustainability education. Co-chaired by Dr. Tricia Seow, a prominent geography educator and researcher, the SLL actively fosters collaboration within a community of practice by engaging stakeholders.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22717\" style=\"width: 471px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22717\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22717\" width=\"461\" height=\"307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture1.jpg 1007w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Picture1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 461px) 100vw, 461px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22717\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 1. Students entering the SSL at the NIE campus<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Beyond its original goal of creating <a href=\"https:\/\/sll.hsse.nie.edu.sg\/curriculum-materials-on-sustainable-development\/\">resources<\/a> for the Ministry of Education\u2019s Geography curriculum, the SLL has expanded since its inception. No longer confined by subject lines, its scope now embraces the wider world of sustainability education. Since 2022, the SLL has partnered with sustainability advocates in Singapore and the ASEAN region, reaching diverse audiences through <a href=\"https:\/\/sll.hsse.nie.edu.sg\/research-projects\/\">various initiatives.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">On a more granular level, students and educators are also playing a pivotal role in championing sustainability education, ensuring its integration into the curriculum and its transmission to the next generation of leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1>“Getting to Zero” Card Game<\/h1>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">One instance is the development of the innovative card game on sustainability education <b>\u201cGetting to Zero\u201d<\/b> (GTZ) by Ng Wen Xin, a form teacher at Assumption English School<\/span><span lang=\"EN-SG\">. Originally conceived by environmental law researcher Eric Bea and energy policy researcher Melissa Low, Wen Xin further developed it during her student days at NIE, NTU <\/span><span lang=\"EN-SG\">in close collaboration with the SLL.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">GTZ is tailored for secondary school geography students and anyone intrigued by Singapore’s energy options and sustainability as a whole. <\/span><span lang=\"EN-SG\">True to its name, the game challenges participants to achieve net-zero emissions while efficiently managing financial resources\u2014 where bringing down carbon emissions the most without destroying the economy leads to victory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-block-quote-center\" style=\"color:#999999\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">\u201c<span lang=\"EN-SG\">I realise it is not easy to make climate policy decisions because there are differing needs and interests for each country, and trade-offs will be involved when a decision is made.\u201d<\/span><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">– <strong>Anonymous Secondary Three Student<\/strong><\/span><\/em><strong><i><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">, <\/span><\/i><\/strong><em><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">on the decision-making process in the GTZ card game<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Within the game, students encounter diverse human activities, each with varying carbon footprints, such as deforestation and coal mining. The game incorporates an in-game currency and a scoring sheet for competitive engagement. The broader aim of GTZ is thus to enlighten students about the national and institutional strategies required to reach net-zero emissions, along with the associated trade-offs.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22722\" style=\"width: 432px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22722\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/scoresheet-e1704766686761.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22722\" width=\"422\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/scoresheet-e1704766686761.png 466w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/scoresheet-e1704766686761-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/scoresheet-e1704766686761-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 2. GTZ’s Gameplay Scoresheet<\/p><\/div>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">GTZ has made its mark in <strong>secondary schools<\/strong> and<strong> junior colleges<\/strong>, receiving praise from both students and educators.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-block-quote-center\" style=\"color:#999999\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">\u201cThe game was educational because I learned many new policies that I didn\u2019t know existed in Singapore\u2014for example, carbon tax and coastal restoration. It was very memorable.\u201d<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">– <strong>Anonymous Secondary Three Student<\/strong><\/span><\/em><strong><i><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">, <\/span><\/i><\/strong><em><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">on the lasting impact of the game<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p>A junior college instructor lauded the game for its educational and engaging nature.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-block-quote-center\" style=\"color:#999999\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">\u201cMy students learnt to strategise to achieve zero carbon emissions, navigate around carbon tax laws and understand the need for global cooperations, and the significance of environmental conservation. This game certainly serves as a good stimulus in enhancing students\u2019 awareness of how they can play their role in achieving sustainable development.\u201d\u00a0<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">– <strong>Anonymous Junior College Instructor<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h1>Why \u201cGetting to Zero\u201d is Effective: The Science Explained (Ong, 2022)<o:p><\/o:p><\/h1>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Gamification, also known as \u201cgame-based learning,\u201d leverages game design elements and mechanics to engage users on cognitive, affective and behavioural levels, particularly in problem-solving scenarios. <\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><b><i><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Multi-Sensory Engagement<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">GTZ ditches textbooks for vibrant cards and tactile gameplay. This multi-sensory experience caters to diverse learning styles, especially visual and kinaesthetic learners. The clear icons and descriptions guide players through complex concepts, making them more accessible and memorable.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><b><i><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Self-directed learning<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Unlike learning through passive instruction, physical games like GTZ throw players into simulated real-world scenarios. This can help to spark negotiation, trial-and-error learning, and critical thinking, all of which can help to foster self-directed learning and ownership of the learning process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-block-quote-center\" style=\"color:#999999\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><span lang=\"EN-SG\">\u201cBeing able to learn about these considerations through the game made it more digestible and engaging for the students as compared to if they had learnt it through direct delivery of content.”<\/span><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">– <strong>Anonymous Secondary School Teacher<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Self-Awareness<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Game-based learning not only provides an enjoyable and attention-grabbing experience but also nurtures environmentally conscious actions. GTZ weaves in the environmental consequences of choices, prompting players to reflect on their actions and their impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">For example, a card suggesting \u201ccar-free Sundays\u201d prompts players to consider the collective carbon footprint of individual lifestyle choices and motivate climate action.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22767\" style=\"width: 614px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22767\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/cardsss-e1704769933414.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22767 \" width=\"604\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/cardsss-e1704769933414.jpg 912w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/cardsss-e1704769933414-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/cardsss-e1704769933414-768x487.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22767\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 3. Some of the cards available in the game<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-block-quote-center\" style=\"color:#999999\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><span lang=\"EN-SG\">“It allows the students to exercise some form of decision-making where they are then able to weigh out and reason what is important to them, how to best balance the different aspects of sustainability.”<\/span><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">– <strong>Anonymous Secondary School Teacher<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Greater Comprehension<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p>Simulation games like GTZ, which are inspired by real-world environmental issues, offer authentic learning experiences. These games simplify complex sustainability problems for better communication of ideas.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode-block-quote-center\" style=\"color:#999999\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><span lang=\"EN-SG\">“Upon introduction to the different cards throughout the game, the students also got to ask questions about what they mean and the reason behind the impact they hold.”<\/span><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\">– <strong>Anonymous Secondary School Teacher<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #333333;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Some of these concepts in GTZ include <\/span>cards that feature the ASEAN power grid, retrofitting buildings, coal gasification plans, and many more.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_22771\" style=\"width: 709px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22771\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/usethis-1-e1704769981513.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22771 \" width=\"699\" height=\"339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/usethis-1-e1704769981513.jpg 1191w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/usethis-1-e1704769981513-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/usethis-1-e1704769981513-1024x497.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/usethis-1-e1704769981513-768x373.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 699px) 100vw, 699px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22771\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Figure 4. A card on retrofit buildings, accompanied by a detailed explanation<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"message-box-wrapper yellow\">\n<div class=\"message-box-title\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"message-box-content\">\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p paraid=\"148301073\" paraeid=\"{01cc46c0-094a-419e-8859-6a07358dee78}{134}\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" lang=\"EN-GB\"><span>How to Purchase the GTZ Card Game<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p paraid=\"924741988\" paraeid=\"{01cc46c0-094a-419e-8859-6a07358dee78}{140}\">The GTZ card deck is available at a nifty price of $12 To purchase the GTZ card game, teachers can <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdQ0oOEZOW9PQcEQPfPCjHkkFozEaAXNgVjv_huU-JyuJURUA\/viewform\">click here<\/a> or scan the QR code below.<img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/SSL-QR-CODE.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-22764\" width=\"122\" height=\"122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/SSL-QR-CODE.png 376w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/SSL-QR-CODE-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/SSL-QR-CODE-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 122px) 100vw, 122px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Available Resources for the GTZ Card Game<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sll.hsse.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Copy-of-Getting-to-Zero-How-to-Play.pptx.pdf\">Getting to Zero:\u00a0 How to play<\/a><span> <\/span><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/sll.hsse.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Copy-of-Getting-to-Zero-The-Explainer_with-logo.pptx.pdf\">Getting to Zero: The explainer<br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sll.hsse.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Lesson-Plan-GTZ_18Jan2023.docx\">Getting to Zero: Lesson Plan<br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sll.hsse.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/GETTING-TO-ZERO-Facilitation-Prompts.pdf\">Getting to Zero: Facilitation prompts<br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sll.hsse.nie.edu.sg\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Resources-for-Stakeholders_Lesson-Plan_GTZ_18-Jan-2023.docx\">Classroom Debate Ideas on Sustainability<br \/>\n<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/hsseonline.nie.edu.sg\/the-pedagogical-affordances-of-game-based-learning-getting-to-zero-and-pro-environmental-action\/\">Research Article on Gamification by Ong (2022)<\/p>\n<p><\/a><b><span lang=\"EN-SG\">Upcoming Card Game by the SLL \u2013 Habitat<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p>While GTZ captivates players with its energy-focused challenges, Dr. Tricia Seow is in the process of developing another card game called “<strong>HaBEEtat.”<\/strong>\u00a0Research for HaBEEtat is currently underway, and we will update this page with more details once it is complete. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p paraid=\"1572756106\" paraeid=\"{01cc46c0-094a-419e-8859-6a07358dee78}{210}\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No textbooks, just cards! \ud83c\udccf ‘Getting to Zero’ dives into sustainability education through the power of play! \ud83c\udf31 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":22779,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[404,555,32],"tags":[51,63,83,222,295,416,556],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22712"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22712"}],"version-history":[{"count":51,"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22981,"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22712\/revisions\/22981"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/singteach.nie.edu.sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}