Member of the Month: Silviana Falcon
Every month, we highlight one NASAGA member and the great things they’re doing. This month’s Member of the Month is Dr. Silviana Falcon (she/her), Associate Provost for Strategic Business Partnerships at Florida Southern College.
What kind of work do you do?
Over the last 10 years, I have been a higher education business professor, and from the very beginning, I’ve incorporated games-based learning into my teaching to create engaging and impactful educational experiences. I’ve used innovative techniques like simulations, role-playing, and interactive activities to help students grasp complex concepts in management, leadership, and business strategy.
Recently, my role has evolved into that of Associate Provost for Strategic Business Partnerships. In this capacity, I work on building and strengthening relationships with corporate partners. My work focuses on creating internship pipelines and the development of workforce development academic programming.
Why are you a NASAGA member?
I learned about NASAGA through a fellow member during another game-based learning event. Having gained so much knowledge and formed meaningful friendships in that group, I saw NASAGA as another wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded educators who are passionate about interactive, playful, and immersive learning. After just one meeting, I was hooked—the community’s enthusiasm and dedication to innovative teaching practices resonated with me, and I knew I’d found another invaluable space to learn, share, and grow.
What’s your favorite NASAGA memory?
Interestingly, I had never encountered Thiagi’s work or fully understood the profound value of Reacting to the Past games until I attended the NASAGA conference this past year. It was an eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for how these types of games can bring about powerful moments of reflection. The conference not only introduced me to this transformative approach but also inspired me to think about how I could incorporate similar techniques into my teaching and professional practice.
NASAGA’s theme for the 2024 Conference was “Fair Play.” What does “Fair Play” look like in your professional practice, and what do you do to promote it?
In my professional practice, “Fair Play” is about creating equitable opportunities for all learners and collaborators. I strive to ensure that students and colleagues feel empowered, respected, and valued, regardless of their background. For example, in academic team-based projects, I emphasize shared accountability and use peer evaluations to promote fairness in grading and workload distribution.
