Building a playful learning community

Using play with adults has many benefits but can be challenging to design. This research sought to understand if being part of a community and seeking advice and support from colleagues could support in the design and use of playful techniques. Participants identified clear benefits for both students and staff from the utilisation of playful approaches, relating to student engagement, community-building, and a more complex engagement with the subject being studied. However, they also identified a range of challenges associated with implementing playful practice, citing negative perceptions of play, issues of inclusivity, and a lack of resourcing. This paper reflects on the value of play, which could provide a method of engaging students and overcome some of the challenge higher education institutions are facing. It then outlines a number of recommendations to help support staff overcome the challenges identified in using playful techniques so that the benefits of playfulness can be embedded into teaching practice