On this week’s episode of Board Gaming with Education Dustin introduces a new episode format. The show takes a more topical approach with each episode released on Mondays. Dustin is joined by co-host Dave Eng and guest Brian MacDonald to talk about abstract games versus theme-based board games for learning. Brian MacDonald is a psychologist who has supported children with learning difficulties for twenty years, in schools, treatment centers, and private practice. Recognizing the importance of play in learning and development, he recently started Brains On Games, a YouTube channel that provides overviews and previews of board games, emphasizing the learning skills that they practice. With his expertise Dustin, Dave, and Brian drill down into the topic of game-based learning through the lens of abstract and theme-based board games. Episode Topics Abstract versus Theme-Based Board Games for Learning – 0:21 Sponsor: The World Game – 1:42 Who is Brian MacDonald? – 2:23 Defining Game-Based Learning, Abstract Games, and Theme-Based Games – 8:11 Creativity in Theme-Based Games – 18:27 Abstract Games, Growth Mindset, and Fluid Reasoning – 20:12 Theme-Based Games and History Games – 35:44 Dave Rejoins the Conversation – 37:06 Dustin, Dave, and Brian Play Wavelength! – 45:06 Games in this Episode [Links include games in our Board Gaming with Education Store or Amazon affiliate links]: Codenames Hanabi Just One Project L The Duke Wavelength K2 Formula D Go Chess Coimbra Food Chain Magnate Check out our board game store: https://www.boardgamingwitheducation.com Thank you to Purple Planet Music for the wonderful contribution of their song "Retro Gamer" for our Interview Segment. This song can be found in full on this music archive. Also, thank you to Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) for his creative commons 4.0 contribution of "Getting it Done" for our Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Rapid Fire Round. Always be sure to check out our show notes (website blog post) to read a recap of the episode topics and games mentioned in the episode. https://www.boardgamingwitheducation.com/brian-macdonald