Research Summary: Exploring learning in classic African board games: a review of recent literature

A review published in Educational Technology Research and Development examines the role of classic African board games as learning environments. While broader scholarship confirms that board games foster meaningful learning across diverse contexts, research has disproportionately focused on modern board games. This review addresses this gap by synthesizing current literature on the educational dynamics and learning opportunities inherent in traditional African games.

Why it matters

This research matters because it identifies a critical geographic and cultural imbalance in game-based learning literature. Expanding research beyond modern board games to include classic African games broadens the pedagogical evidence base. Addressing this gap enables educational institutions to recognize and validate diverse, historically rooted learning systems.

Key insights

• Board games operate effectively as learning environments across diverse contexts.
• Participation in board game environments generates meaningful learning outcomes.
• Existing literature on game-based learning predominantly focuses on modern board games.
• Classic African board games have received comparatively limited research attention regarding their relationship with learning.
• The review documents both the current state of research on classic African board games and their specific educational potential.

Source

Educational Technology Research and Development — https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11423-026-10733-9