Psych-Out: Using a Team-Based Game to Teach Diagnosis and Interventions

Abstract

Psych-Out is a team-based game designed to motivate graduate counseling students to study diagnostic symptoms and related interventions associated with reading assignments. At least 83% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the game contributed to their enjoyment of the class, increased their motivation to study for class, and contributed to their learning of the course content. Four themes (learning, preparation, team, and suggestions) emerged from student evaluations of the game and reflected positive results.

Keywords:

• team learning
• games
• counselor education
• learning strategies
• adult learners
• diagnosis
• treatments
• creative pedagogy