The upcoming Playposium on Nov. 6-7, sponsored by the Center for Transformative Teaching, will feature a keynote address from Alison James. James co-edited The Power of Play in Higher Education: Creativity in Tertiary Learning, a book challenging academic norms and advocating for the integration of playful learning.
James is a distinguished academic and educational developer. She is Professor Emerita at the University of Winchester. She is a National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy, recognitions underscoring her contributions to teaching and learning. James is also a certified LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator — a methodology she uses to foster creative thinking and complex problem solving. Her work is dedicated to promoting imaginative and playful approaches to pedagogy and professional development.
Co-edited with Chrissi Nerantzi, The Power of Play in Higher Education argues against the conventional wisdom that play is a frivolous activity reserved for children. The book contends that playful learning is a vital component of higher education, capable of unlocking creativity, enhancing critical thinking, and fostering a more engaging and supportive academic environment. The international collection features a diverse range of case studies demonstrating how play can be effectively implemented across various disciplines to enrich the learning experiences of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. The book serves as a practical guide and a theoretical exploration of how playful practices can lead to deeper learning and innovative research.
Learn more about this event and register to explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning centered around play.
The Power of Play in Higher Education is available online through University Libraries.
More details at: https://go.unl.edu/playposium