“Playful and Gameful” Choose Your Own Adventure Method of Teaching and Grading Political Science Courses.

Teaching political science, particularly in introductory courses, often emphasizes factual knowledge, such as definitions of democracy and the role of the legislative branch. While this foundation is essential, it serves merely as a starting point. I integrate Gameful and gradeless pedagogies in my classes to enhance student engagement. Students choose specific assignments, or "quests," to complete, allowing them to leverage their strengths and challenge themselves within a supportive framework. This choice fosters greater involvement in their learning journey. Drawing on five years of teaching experience at a large public university and a small liberal arts college, I present my case for this innovative teaching method, highlighting its advantages and challenges while providing actionable insights for others interested in implementing similar strategies in their classrooms.