Interactive workshop in Sr. Martina’s Ethics class encouraged critical thinking, collaboration, and responsible decision-making.
Can a game change the way students think about the world’s biggest challenges?
Students in Sister Martina Trinh Lai’s Ethics class at Assumption University recently set out to answer that question by participating in The 2030 SDGs Game, an internationally recognized learning experience that transforms the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into an engaging, fast-paced simulation.
Facilitated by the AU Library, the two-hour workshop challenged students to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability while making decisions that affected not only their own success, but the future of the entire world.
Rather than listening to a lecture, students became decision-makers.
Working in teams, they managed limited time and money, selected development projects, negotiated with other groups, exchanged resources, and adapted to changing global conditions. Throughout the simulation, the classroom’s World Condition Meter tracked the impact of every decision, demonstrating how individual choices can influence society, the economy, and the environment.
As the activity progressed, students quickly discovered that achieving sustainable development requires cooperation, ethical leadership, and an understanding that no single goal can be accomplished in isolation.
The experience concluded with a guided reflection connecting the simulation to real-world sustainability challenges, ethical decision-making, and the responsibilities future leaders face in business, government, and society.
The workshop also received outstanding feedback from participants.
Of the 14 students who completed the evaluation, 93 percent awarded the experience the highest possible rating, while every participant rated the facilitation as good or excellent. Nearly all students reported a stronger understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals after the workshop, and 93 percent expressed interest in learning more about sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics.
Students consistently praised the interactive format, teamwork, discussions, and opportunity to learn through experience rather than traditional classroom instruction. The most common suggestion for improvement was simple: they wanted more time to continue playing and discussing ideas.
Among the Sustainable Development Goals students identified as most important were Quality Education (SDG 4), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), No Poverty (SDG 1), Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).
The 2030 SDGs Game is used around the world by universities, corporations, governments, NGOs, and community organizations to help participants understand the interconnected nature of sustainable development. By bringing the simulation into the Ethics classroom, Assumption University continues to create opportunities for students to develop systems thinking, collaboration, ethical leadership, and practical problem-solving skills through experiential learning.
Bring the 2030 SDGs Game to Your School or Organization
The AU Library now offers The 2030 SDGs Game to schools, universities, organizations, and community groups seeking an engaging introduction to sustainability and ethical leadership.
The two-three hour interactive experience is ideal for:
- Undergraduate and graduate classes
- International schools
- Student clubs and leadership programs
- Orientation programs
- Faculty development workshops
- Camps and youth programs
- Community outreach activities
- Interdisciplinary learning experiences
Participants gain practical skills in:
- Systems thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Ethical decision-making
- Leadership and responsibility
- Sustainable Development Goal awareness
- Real-world problem solving
Sessions are facilitated by a certified 2030 SDGs Game Facilitator from the Assumption University Library and can be delivered as a stand-alone workshop or integrated into existing courses and events.
Interested in bringing the 2030 SDGs Game to your school or organization?
Scan the QR code below or contact the AU Library LINE Official Account: @ist4769e for booking information and available dates.
Together, we can inspire the next generation of leaders to create a more sustainable future—for people, planet, and prosperity.
WRITER : THE AU LIBRARY
More Information about Assumption University Library, please visit:
Website: https://library.au.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AssumptionUniversityLibraryCenterOfIdeation/
Line: @ist4769e
Tel: (+66) -2783-2222 Ext. 3403, 2024
