Some say ‘those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.’ However, as Mark Snoad – creator of Gumption, a board game designed to promote financial literacy – explains, the best educators also practice what they teach!
“Hands-on, real world examples are so important when it comes to developing minds,” says the Ormiston Senior College business studies teacher.
Some say ‘those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.’ However, as Mark Snoad – creator of Gumption, a board game designed to promote financial literacy – explains, the best educators also practice what they teach!
“Hands-on, real world examples are so important when it comes to developing minds,” says the Ormiston Senior College business studies teacher.
“A while back I read that mobile phone bills were sending teenagers bankrupt. That scared me. If they struggle to pay mobile bills, what does that mean when taking on loans down the track?”
By developing Gumption, Mark says his teaching has improved and students learn that a good idea only carries so far. “Students often think they’re successful when they come up with an idea, but that’s just the start. Producing is much harder, and the toughest of all is marketing and selling that product.
“Bringing Gumption to market has been a long process, but it’s been invaluable to my understanding of business practice and I often draw lessons for students from the game.” He says younger children can also play and learn the value of a buck. “My intention was for Gumption to be for secondary school students, but I played it with my daughters and my youngest kept beating me.”
Launched in 2010, Gumption secured the Game of the Year and Teachers’ Choice Awards from the NZ Games Association last year, and sales have been positive, a notable achievement in an age of computer games.
“When people play board games, they interact face to face, which would be lost with an online version,” Mark says. “Lots of people create board games, but 80 percent sell less than 300. However, Gumption’s now on its second production run and has sold more than 2000.”
And the game may go global. It made its first foray into the Australian market at Brisbane Girls Grammar.
“The students here are amongst my biggest supporters, though. Some are happy to help promote and sell it, and one student, from India, has even said he’s going to help create an Indian version of Gumption!”
We have FIVE Gumption board games to give away!To be in to win, simply fill in the form.
One entry per email address/person.
Entries close January 31, 2014
Australia
United Kingdom