Build Your Own Educational Card Game in Engineering Mathematics: Lessons from a Linear Algebra Card Game
A hands-on workshop using the Linear Algebra Card Game to help educators design learning-focused card games for their own courses.
Abstract: Mathematics courses in engineering programs are often experienced as abstract, challenging, and fragmented, with students focusing on applying procedures rather than developing conceptual understanding. Although active learning has shown positive effects in mathematics education, game-based learning is often reduced to superficial gamification (“making it fun”) rather than principled design. This workshop introduces the ludo-didactical approach to designing serious educational games that preserve disciplinary rigor while deliberately embedding active learning strategies. Using the Linear Algebra Card Game as a concrete example, participants analyze how game mechanics trigger desired behaviors aligned with principles from active learning. Following a short live demonstration and discussion, participants work in small groups to adapt the format to their own context and draft a card game-based learning activity for their course. Participants leave the session with a tangible draft activity and a clearer understanding of how structured play can be used in rigorous mathematics education.
Authors: Martijn Boussé, Monica Salvioli, Philippe Dreesen, Max Sondag, Marieke Musegaas, Ralf Peeters.
Conference: 54th SEFI 2026 Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering Education, Prague, Czechia.
Paper Link: <coming soon>