Play, Learning & Collaboration
Research consistently shows that play enhances both learning and collaboration.. The LEGO Foundation's 2022 report, "Learning through Play: Increasing impact, reducing inequality," analyzed 26 studies from 18 countries, revealing significant benefits of play-based learning
In educational settings, play-based approaches have shown remarkable results. A study in Bangladesh found that children in play-based preschools scored 12% higher on early literacy and math assessments compared to those in traditional preschools. In Rwanda, children participating in playful learning activities improved their vocabulary by 20% more than a control group over a 15-week period
The benefits of play extend beyond basic skills. Purpura et al.'s 2016 study, published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly, found that preschoolers who learned math concepts through guided play were able to transfer these skills to novel problems more effectively than those taught through direct instruction. This suggests that play not only aids in learning but also in applying knowledge to new situations – a crucial skill in collaborative environments.
In the workplace, play and fun have been shown to enhance collaboration and learning. Michael Tews and colleagues, in a study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior, found a positive relationship between workplace fun and informal learning. Employees in environments that incorporated elements of play were more likely to engage in creative problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
The neurological basis for these benefits was highlighted by neurologist Judy Willis, who demonstrated that fun experiences increase levels of dopamine and endorphins in the brain. These hormones not only make learning feel pleasurable but also help in managing stress, creating an ideal environment for both learning and collaboration.
Collaboration itself benefits from a playful approach. Tews, Michel, and Noe's research showed that fun in the workplace was positively related to engagement and informal learning among team members. When people enjoy working together, they communicate more openly and are more likely to share ideas, leading to innovative solutions.
I educational institutions, or professional environments, incorporating play can significantly enhance both learning and collaboration. It reduces stress, increases motivation, promotes better retention of information, and fosters a more open and creative collaborative atmosphere. As educators, leaders, and professionals, finding ways to make learning and collaboration playful can lead to more effective and engaging experiences for all involved.
Encourage cooperative play: Set up collaborative activities where groups work together toward shared goals in an imaginative way. This allows team members to learn from each other's perspectives and scaffold each other's learning
Allow extended time for playful collaboration: Give teams enough time to get comfortable, take risks, and engage in meaningful interactions. Create an environment of trust where diverse ideas and ways of knowing are valued
Design hands-on, inquiry-based activities: Even for adults, incorporating elements of play and childlike investigation into collaborative problem-solving can increase interest and engagement
Combine facilitation types: In a workplace context, this could mean balancing self-directed teamwork with guided facilitation
