Educational Board Game Design and Implementation for Complex Secondary Student Skills: A Rapid Review

Background: Secondary education is increasingly challenged to develop complex cognitive and social skills such as systems thinking, argumentation, and collaboration through traditional methods. Educational board games present a promising alternative, blending engagement with advanced learning opportunities. Methods: This rapid review compiled evidence from 14 key studies and systematic reviews published from 2013 to 2025, focusing on design frameworks, implementation strategies, and the educational effectiveness of board games that target complex skill development in secondary students aged 11-18. Results: The field has progressed from relying on theoretical frameworks to adopting evidence-based design methods. Notable discoveries include validated frameworks that support low-workload implementation for teachers, systematic linkages between game mechanics and learning objectives, and substantial evidence demonstrating enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes across various subjects. Nonetheless, notable gaps still exist in areas such as embedded assessment, teacher professional development, and equity considerations. Discussion: Educational board games have real potential for fostering complex skills that traditional teaching often cannot fully develop. Achieving success depends on consistent support for teachers, proper curriculum integration, and aligned assessment strategies. Key research areas should focus on embedded assessment methods, scalable training for educators, and studies on long-term impact.