Gaming Pedagogy Lab
Leveling Up Youth Through Game Design, Art, and Social-Emotional Growth
“Video games have been increasingly used as a form of therapy for various mental health conditions … one of the main benefits of video games in therapy is that they can provide a sense of engagement and immersion that traditional therapy methods may lack.” — Bocci et al., Putting the Gaming Experience at the Center of the Therapy – The Video Game Therapy® Approach (2023)
“Video gameplay gives gamers the chance to develop techniques for dealing with conflict, working out various resolutions, interacting with their friends, and experiencing different emotions.” — from the 2025 Entertainment Software Association “Power of Play” report.
“Adding game design is one of the promising techniques for achieving deep learning through fun ... where students learn that mistakes can be a vital source of self-learning.” — Okasha AS., 2025.
About the Program
The Gaming Pedagogy Lab is a creative learning space where students play, design, reflect, and grow. We use video games, art, storytelling, and gamification to motivate students and make learning feel fun, meaningful, and rewarding.
In the Lab, students don’t just play games, they learn from them. They explore strategy, teamwork, emotional awareness, problem-solving, communication, and creativity through hands-on activities and guided play.
We meet students where they are, whether they’re new to gaming, passionate about art, or excited to create their own characters and worlds. Through game challenges, collaborative projects, and reflection sessions, students build both confidence and community.
Everyone belongs here.
Everyone has a story.
Everyone gets to level up.
Program Pillars
These pillars shape every session in the Gaming Pedagogy Lab. They guide how students learn, interact, create, and grow together within the aspect of both in and out of the game world.
Play & Exploration
Gaming is the doorway to curiosity. In the Lab, students engage with games not just for fun, but to understand how they work which includes the strategies, teamwork, communication, and decision-making within them. Through play, students learn to experiment, try new approaches, and think creatively, all while having fun in a supportive environment.
Creativity & Art
Every game starts with imagination. In the Lab, students create characters, build worlds, tell stories, and develop their own visual styles.
Our art activities give students a space to express who they are, explore their creativity, and share their ideas with confidence whether they’re sketching, making pixel art, or designing game environments.
Game Design Thinking
Students explore how games work by learning about mechanics, rules, storytelling, challenges, and player experience. They learn to think like designers by asking what makes a game fun, how players learn, and how choices shape outcomes. This helps them build creativity, problem-solving skills, and a designer mindset they can apply in real life.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Teamwork
We use games as a tool to build confidence, communication, emotional awareness, and collaboration. The Gaming Pedagogy Lab is a place where students grow socially and emotionally, with guidance, reflection, and positive mentorship at every level.
👥 For Parents, Schools, and Community Partners
🏫The Gaming Pedagogy Lab supports students through creativity, collaboration, and positive learning experiences. The program helps youth build strong peer relationships, grow socially and emotionally, and explore art, literacy, and STEM through the world of gaming.
⭐What the Program Encourages
-
Healthy peer connections
-
Emotional growth and confidence
-
Creativity through gaming & art
-
Connections to literacy and STEM
-
Meaningful enrichment experiences
⭐Where the Program Can Run
-
After-school programs
-
In-school supplemental sessions
-
Summer camps
-
Community organizations
-
Youth events & workshops
🎮Meet the Program Director
Jurron Clayton
Jurron Clayton is an educator and game designer from Chicago who sees gaming as a meaningful pathway for learning, creativity, and personal growth. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Game Design from DePaul University and created the Gaming Pedagogy Lab to bring together gaming, art, mentorship, and social-emotional development for the youth. Jurron has facilitated programs in both school and community settings, where he supports students in expressing themselves, collaborating with others, and exploring creative and STEM-based opportunities. His work is grounded in the belief that every youth deserves a space to be heard, seen, and supported. Gaming helps them build confidence in their voice and identity.
Ready to Join the Lab?🕹️🔬
Bring the Gaming Pedagogy Lab to your school, community space, or youth program.
