New Board Game Teaches Students about the Brain

21st December 2016

Healthcare students from across the UK are set to benefit from a new board game designed by academics at Sheffield Hallam University.

Take the Neuro Highway is an interactive learning tool aimed at teaching students all about the function of the brain and neurological conditions. Starting at the brain stem, players follow a pathway through the brain by answering questions based around brain function and conditions and the first player or team to return- back to the bottom of the brain stem (known as the medulla oblongata) wins the game. There are challenges along the way where 'mishap' cards may hold players back mishaps based around how altered arousal, attention, and fatigue may affect neurological performance. With three levels of difficulty, the game can be played by A Level students through to those studying at Masters level and beyond. The game is being shared across students on allied health and psychology courses at Sheffield Hallam as part of their studies into neuroanatomy and it is now on sale for other students outside of Hallam to enjoy. Colette Beecher, senior lecturer in Occupational Therapy has been working with the technical team within Sheffield Hallam's Faculty of Health and Wellbeing and the University's print services to develop the game. "Neuroanatomy is quite challenging as a subject, and it is known that students do not always retain information from lecture format," said Colette. "Gameplay ignites interest and increases the motivation to learn more from others. Students like the fun and interactive aspects of the game as well as learning as a group and they consider it to be a very useful and a good approach to their learning. "It's been great fun developing this and I hope other students find it just as useful and just as fun." The game can be purchased from the University's Print Shop.