Signal: A Neurotransmission Board Game

Game-based learning offers a fun and engaging pedagogical approach that can promote greater understanding of course content. This article describes the development, use, and evaluation of a board game designed to test students' understanding of core concepts covered in introductory neuroscience courses-action potentials and synaptic transmission. During the game, students work collaboratively in small teams to build a working synaptic connection by drawing cards featuring proteins and molecules involved in neurotransmission and placing the cards onto specific locations on the pre- and post-synaptic neurons illustrated on the game board. The game requires students to synthesize information learned across different modules to determine what structures are vital to a functioning synapse. In a post-game survey, students reported that playing Signal enabled them to assess, increase, and apply content-specific knowledge, and promoted transferable skills including effective communication and critical thinking. Students also rated the game as an enjoyable learning experience. This board game could serve as an effective and engaging tool to review the fundamentals of neurotransmission across a range of neuroscience and biology courses.