Leveling Up Learning: Game-Based Teaching That Sparks Higher-Order Thinking

Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Dr. Kevin Jennings to rethink what rigor actually looks like in classrooms—and why the old definitions no longer serve students or teachers. Their guiding question: How can we reimagine rigor in ways that deepen learning—without crushing students or teachers?

Drawing from 15 years of classroom experience across the U.S., South Korea, and Switzerland, Kevin brings a global lens to this conversation. He shares how game-based learning, authentic assessments, and curiosity-driven design can create classrooms that are both rigorous and joyful. Together, they question how rigor became a synonym for compliance and explore how challenge, not grind, should define academic success.

From gamified assessments and playful research tasks to centering student thinking in curriculum design, the conversation is packed with classroom-ready strategies and perspective shifts teachers can apply right away. Kevin also reflects on how teachers can protect their creativity and agency—even in systems that often prioritize control over curiosity.

Interested in joining us on the podcast? We’re always looking for passionate educators and school leaders to share their insights—no need to be an “expert.” Tell us what you’d like to talk about here: https://forms.gle/RCeUFhmvLxY1nRwU9