By Mark Hoge
Founder and director of Renaissance Adventures
5. The Difference between LARPs and RPGs in Experiential Learning
Both Larps and RPGs provide great opportunities for learning. If you are willing, I have found that Larping is a superior tool for experiential learning because, rather than sitting and rolling dice, participants are running around, swinging Swasher swords, throwing beanbag spell packets, and acting out their characters in an embodied expressive way. That level of physical engagement and kinesthetic learning vastly increases emotional engagement and holistic learning.
At Renaissance Adventures, we run our Adventure Quest™ and other Larps differently than most adult Larps – one Quest Leader (QL) facilitates the adventure for a group of 4-6 players (Questers). The QL playacts all of the creatures and monsters that the group encounters, sometimes with the help of one or more Teen Leaders. The Questers work together to solve the mysteries of the quest. In this relationship, the QL can fully enter the role of mentor and educator.
6. The use of Larps and RPGs in Education
I believe that interactive storytelling and roleplaying can truly transform traditional education. One of the long-range goals of Renaissance Adventures is to partner with educators and summer camps, creating a product line of books and training programs that support teachers and counselors to use these tools in the classroom and camp setting.
I’m passionate in my work with children and teens. At Renaissance Adventures, we lead summer classes with 80-100 participants who sign up for week-long programs, Monday through Friday, either half-day or full-day. Those children and teens are divided into small questing groups of six similar-aged players. Each group is lead by an adult who is trained and skilled at leading Adventure Quest adventures, acting, storytelling, and leadership. We also run PlayQuest birthday parties, school holiday programs, and afterschool programs. We see the potential to offer these programs and methods to others, but cannot do it alone. If you are interested in learning more about launching your own experiential learning LARP for kids by starting a licensed business, or adding this program to an existing camp or activity, please feel free to contact us!
I hope that this article will be useful and inspiring, and that education can be transformed through interactive, kinesthetic storytelling.
6. The use of Larps and RPGs in Education
I believe that interactive storytelling and roleplaying can truly transform traditional education. One of the long-range goals of Renaissance Adventures is to partner with educators and summer camps, creating a product line of books and training programs that support teachers and counselors to use these tools in the classroom and camp setting.
I’m passionate in my work with children and teens. At Renaissance Adventures, we lead summer classes with 80-100 participants who sign up for week-long programs, Monday through Friday, either half-day or full-day. Those children and teens are divided into small questing groups of six similar-aged players. Each group is lead by an adult who is trained and skilled at leading Adventure Quest adventures, acting, storytelling, and leadership. We also run PlayQuest birthday parties, school holiday programs, and afterschool programs. We see the potential to offer these programs and methods to others, but cannot do it alone. If you are interested in learning more about launching your own experiential learning LARP for kids by starting a licensed business, or adding this program to an existing camp or activity, please feel free to contact us!
I hope that this article will be useful and inspiring, and that education can be transformed through interactive, kinesthetic storytelling.
