How to get into Play-Based Learning: Part 1 - What is Play?

OntarioScienceCentre

15 Sept 201705:05

Summary

TLDRThis video script explores the significance of play in children's learning, emphasizing its role in forming neural connections and fostering curiosity. It challenges misconceptions about play, highlighting that it's not just fun but also a process-oriented approach that supports a growth mindset. The script introduces the concept of 'flow' in learning and discusses the importance of an intentional, play-based curriculum. It also addresses the role of educators in facilitating play, setting the stage for learning, and supporting students' metacognition. The video invites viewers to consider a balanced classroom structure that is neither overly structured nor completely unguided, suggesting that educators can actively engage in students' learning journey through inquiry and co-learning.

Takeaways

🧠 Childhood is critical for neuron development and strengthening connections through play.
👨‍🏫 Primary teachers view play as essential for student learning and ownership of their education.
🎉 Play is not just fun; it fosters emotional connections and long-lasting learning experiences.
🌊 Play encourages students to enter a state of 'flow' with challenging yet engaging learning opportunities.
🌱 An intentional play-based curriculum nurtures a growth mindset and cross-domain learning.
🤔 The educational value of play is often underestimated, with misconceptions about its role in learning.
🔬 Science is a process, not just knowledge, and play-based experimentation is a form of scientific research.
🎨 Process-oriented art activities value student expression over the appearance of a finished product.
🏫 A playful classroom balances structure and freedom, requiring an active but different role for educators.
🤓 Educators in a playful classroom respond to student curiosity and co-learn through an inquiry-based approach.

Q & A

What is the significance of play in a child's development according to the script?
-Play is crucial for children's development as it facilitates the formation of important neural connections and strengthens existing ones, fostering curiosity and learning through exploration.
How does the script define play in the context of education?
-Play is defined as a process-oriented activity that allows students to take ownership of their learning, promotes a growth mindset, and supports learning across various domains.
What role does emotional connection play in learning through play, as mentioned in the script?
-Emotional connection through play makes learning fun and memorable, leading to long-lasting educational outcomes.
How does the script suggest educators can encourage students to enter 'the zone' of learning?
-Educators can encourage students to enter 'the zone' by providing satisfying learning opportunities with appropriate challenges and ample time for full engagement.
What misconceptions about play does the script mention and how can they be addressed?
-The script mentions that play is sometimes underestimated in its educational value, and that science is often mistakenly seen as only a body of knowledge rather than a process. Misconceptions can be addressed by demonstrating that science includes behaviors like sorting, classifying, weighing, measuring, and active experimentation, all of which can be playful.
What is the role of the educator in a playful classroom according to the script?
-In a playful classroom, the educator's role is to set the environment for play, support metacognition, document student learning, and respond to student curiosity with an inquiry stance.
How does the script differentiate between a didactic and a laissez-faire classroom in terms of play?
-A playful classroom is neither didactic, where the educator dominates the learning process, nor laissez-faire, where there is no structure. Instead, it is enriched by the right amount of structure and support.
What is the importance of student choice and ownership in learning, as discussed in the script?
-Student choice and ownership are important as they allow students to take control of their learning, leading to a more engaged and meaningful educational experience.
How does the script suggest educators can gradually incorporate student choice into their classrooms?
-The script suggests that if students are accustomed to a more structured environment, educators can show how to gradually incorporate student choice by providing opportunities for choice within a structured framework.
What is the script's stance on the role of art activities in a play-based curriculum?
-The script advocates for process-oriented art activities that honor student expression and focus less on the finished product, encouraging creativity and self-expression.
What advice does the script offer for educators interested in implementing a play-based approach?
-The script encourages educators interested in a play-based approach to tune into the next video for more information on how to integrate play into their classrooms.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 The Importance of Play in Childhood Learning

This paragraph emphasizes the critical role of play in the development of children's neural connections and the strengthening of existing connections. It highlights children's innate curiosity and competence, which are best nurtured through play. The script includes a question posed to primary teachers about the meaning of play and discusses the concept of play as a means for students to take ownership of their learning. The paragraph introduces the idea of play as fun and emotionally engaging, which leads to long-lasting learning. It also touches on the concept of 'flow' and the importance of challenging yet satisfying learning opportunities that allow students to become fully engaged. The paragraph concludes with the assertion that an intentional play-based curriculum supports a growth mindset and cross-domain learning.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Neurons

Neurons are the fundamental units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals. In the context of the video, the development of neurons during childhood is crucial as they form important connections that are strengthened through play and exploration. This process is vital for cognitive development, as it lays the foundation for learning and understanding the world around us.

💡Play

Play is defined as spontaneous, child-directed activity that is enjoyable and intrinsically motivated. The video emphasizes play as a fundamental aspect of learning, where children can explore, experiment, and learn through interactive and engaging activities. Play is portrayed as essential for fostering curiosity, creativity, and emotional connections, which contribute to long-lasting learning experiences.

💡Student Choice

Student choice refers to the autonomy given to students in directing their learning experiences. In the video, it is highlighted as a way to empower students and make learning more meaningful. By allowing students to take ownership of their learning, educators can create an environment where students are more engaged and invested in the process, leading to deeper understanding and a growth mindset.

💡Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. The video suggests that an intentional play-based curriculum supports this mindset by encouraging students to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and view effort as a path to mastery. This concept is integral to the video's message that learning should be a dynamic and evolving process.

💡State of Flow

The state of flow is a psychological term describing a state of complete immersion and focus on an activity, where one feels a sense of energized focus and enjoyment. The video encourages educators to create learning opportunities that allow students to enter 'the zone,' which can lead to deep engagement and satisfaction. This concept is used to illustrate the ideal learning environment where students are fully absorbed in their tasks.

💡Science

In the video, science is presented not just as a body of knowledge but as a process of inquiry and discovery. It involves behaviors like sorting, classifying, weighing, measuring, and active experimentation. The video challenges the misconception that science must be rigid and formal, suggesting instead that it can be playful and exploratory, much like the learning experiences children have through play.

💡Metacognition

Metacognition refers to the ability to think about and regulate one's own learning processes. The video mentions supporting metacognition as part of the educator's role in a playful classroom. By fostering metacognitive skills, educators help students become more aware of their learning strategies, thought processes, and how they can manage their own learning effectively.

💡Inquiry Stance

An inquiry stance is an approach to learning where educators and students actively question, explore, and investigate ideas together. The video describes this as being akin to the mindset of a scientist, where the teacher is not just delivering information but is co-learning and adapting to the students' curiosity and interests. This stance is crucial for creating a dynamic and responsive learning environment.

💡Structure and Support

The video discusses the balance between structure and support in a playful classroom. It suggests that a playful classroom is not entirely free-form but is enriched by the right amount of structure that guides students without stifling their creativity or curiosity. This balance is key to creating an environment where students can explore and learn effectively while still receiving the necessary guidance and resources.

💡Documentation

Documentation in the context of the video refers to the process of recording and reflecting on student learning. It is highlighted as an important role for educators in a playful classroom, where documenting can help track progress, celebrate achievements, and provide insights into student learning processes. This practice is essential for assessing and supporting student growth in a meaningful way.

Highlights

Children are competent and curious, primed to explore and learn through play.

Play allows students to take ownership of their learning.

Play is fun and creates an emotional connection for long-lasting learning.

Play is process-oriented, encouraging students to enter a state of flow.

An intentional play-based curriculum supports a growth mindset.

The educational value of play is sometimes underestimated.

Science is a process that includes behaviors like sorting, classifying, weighing, and measuring.

Play-based experimentation is a form of research.

A process-oriented art activity honors student expression over an attractive finished product.

A playful classroom is enriched by the right amount of structure and support.

The educator's role in a playful classroom involves setting the environment for play.

Supporting metacognition is a key role for educators in a playful classroom.

Documenting student learning is an important aspect of a playful classroom.

In a playful classroom, educators respond to student curiosity with an inquiry stance.

An inquiry stance is like the mindset of a scientist, with teachers co-learning with students.

The next video will teach how to integrate play into your classroom.