S4 - Gamifying CEGEP Science Education: Exploring Tailored Educational Video Games for Enhanced Classroom Learning in Physics, Biology and Chemistry

Dr. Neerusha B. Gokool is an exemplary educator whose innovative approach to teaching, mentorship, and pedagogical leadership has had a profound impact on her students and the broader educational community. Her commitment to student-centered learning is evident in her transformative courses, such as Gestion de classe, where she fosters active, immersive, and experiential learning. Through activities like the “Think-on-your-feet” challenge and the “Anonymous Roundtable Box,” Dr. B. Gokool creates a classroom environment that encourages creativity, adaptability, and vulnerability. These strategies prepare students to navigate the complexities of teaching with empathy and confidence.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. B. Gokool is a leader in pedagogical innovation. She spearheaded the Université de Montréal EduTech GameJam, an event that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in developing educational games, and co-founded a cutting-edge simulation project that allows students to experiment with classroom management strategies. Her approach integrates Universal Design for Learning (UDL), responsive pedagogy, and digital innovation, making her a trailblazer in the use of technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Dr. B. Gokool’s mentorship extends beyond her students, shaping the teaching culture within her department and inspiring faculty to embrace new pedagogical practices. Her unwavering dedication to professional development and continuous learning models lifelong growth for both students and colleagues. Through her transformative contributions to higher education, Dr. B. Gokool embodies the qualities celebrated by the SALTISE Best Practices & Pedagogical Innovators Award.

Dr. B. Gokool obtained her PhD in Education at McGill University. Her research at that time focused on exploring academic barriers that college (CEGEP) students with learning disabilities (LD) encounter in science education. As well, she examined barriers that college science teachers experience in teaching their students with LD, and strategies that they employ to overcome their challenges. In collaboration with professionals and teachers at John Abbott CEGEP, she also investigated the impact of an intervention-based strategy on academic outcomes and motivation levels of student athletes. She was also a part-time course lecturer in the Department of Animal Science, McGill University.