Dr. Tori Mondelli Brings The Allure of Play to WashU
The CTL’s Teaching with Joy series recently welcomed Dr. Tori Mondelli, who introduced The Allure of Play, a pedagogical model for incorporating game-based learning into higher education. In this workshop, Mondelli shared strategies, resources, and a preview of a new AI tool designed to help faculty generate customized game ideas for their courses.
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the WashU Center for Teaching and Learning was excited to host Dr. Victoria “Tori” Mondelli for a Teaching with Joy workshop in January Hall. Dr. Mondelli, director of the Teaching for Learning Center at the University of Missouri, shared insights from The Allure of Play, a pedagogical model she co-developed with collaborator Dr. Joe Bisz. Their work encourages secondary and higher education instructors to use games not as diversions, but as intentional and effective strategies for student engagement and learning.
Drawing from their co-authored book The Educator’s Guide to Designing Games and Creative Active-Learning Exercises, Mondelli walked participants through how simple mechanics like role-play, competition, and narrative can be adapted across disciplines. Faculty were invited to brainstorm their own course-specific ideas, demonstrating that playful learning can be implemented at any scale, whether through small activities or larger course modules.
Mondelli also previewed an innovative new resource: a ChatGPT client she and Bisz are developing to help faculty generate customized game ideas tailored to their course content and objectives in just minutes. Designed with educators in mind, this tool aims to lower barriers to incorporating game-based learning by providing immediate, discipline-specific inspiration and materials for classroom activities.
Attendees were reminded that joy and rigor go hand in hand and that by creating space for play, instructors can spark curiosity, build community, and encourage students to think in new and creative ways. Faculty left the session energized, with both practical tools and fresh perspectives to bring into their teaching. For those interested in exploring more, resources on The Allure of Play are available at victoriamondelli.com.
If you want to learn more about gamifying your course, contact the CTL’s Educational Development staff to schedule a consultation.
