TeachFest: Gamifying Learning to Engage Hearts and Minds

On March 11, 2025, Taylor’s School of Education (SoEd) launched its inaugural TeachFest under Taylor’s Education for All Impact Lab. Themed “Gamifying Learning: Engaging Hearts and Minds,” the initiative aimed to cultivate a dynamic, game-based learning environment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), English, and early childhood education.

This groundbreaking project involved three alternative learning centres. Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), a non-profit organization, serves the needs of children in and around Chow Kit. It operates in partnership with Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat and a network of strategic partners, including foundations, corporate entities, and NGOs. Alongside YCK, Living Waters Learning Centre and Jasmine Ash-Sham Alternative Education Centre played a vital role in providing an enriching educational experience for 60 refugee students aged 7 to 12.

TeachFest was the result of a collaborative effort involving nine module leaders and approximately 150 student teachers from various disciplines, including Science - Energy and Interactions by Dr. Lee Yee Ling, Statistics by Ms. Mindy Tay Pei Lin, Science - Systems and Cycles by Dr. Jasmine Jain, Language Use and Society by Dr. Joseph Malaluan Velarde, Early Science and Numeracy by Ms. Revati Ramakrishnan, Number & Algebra by Ms. Norhayati Maskat, New Pedagogies – Digital Tools and Resources by Dr. P. Thivilojana, Introduction to Applied Linguistics II by Dr. Mohamad Ateff Md Yusof, and Signature Pedagogies by Dr. Vinothini Vasodavan. The student teachers worked collaboratively to design and implement interactive, game-based activities tailored for children aged 5 to 12. By integrating educational content with engaging play mechanics, the initiative transformed learning into a fun and immersive experience, making knowledge acquisition more accessible and enjoyable.

TeachFest directly aligned with the mission of the Education for All Impact Lab, which seeks to provide quality education to marginalized and underprivileged communities. Through a hands-on, interactive approach, the initiative addressed the unique learning needs of refugee children, bridging educational gaps and fostering confidence. During the three-hour event, students rotated between stations, exploring topics in Science, Mathematics, and English through engaging, hands-on activities.

The event was officially inaugurated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Logendra Ponniah, Head of the School of Education at Taylor’s University, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to inclusive and innovative education. In recognition of their participation, Dr. Joseph Malaluan Velarde, Director of the Education for All Impact Lab, presented tokens of appreciation to all participating schools. With its emphasis on experiential and game-based learning, TeachFest 2025 stands as a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and breaking down barriers for underprivileged communities.