MPRE314 - IfE

MPRE314
Playful Learning

ECTS Value: 3 ECTS

Contact Hours: 15

Self Study Hours: 36

Assessment Hours: 24

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

“Playful learning in schools … occurs when the learning goals of adults and the interests and curiosities of students align. In these situations, learners are leading their own learning, exploring the unknown, and finding the joy of learning … By bringing together cognition and emotions, and the physical and social dimensions of learning, playful learning is a powerful strategy for supporting learning in schools.” (Mardell et al., 2023, p. 18)

Playing and being creative are crucial aspects of a child’s development and learning process. This module is designed to delve into the concept of playful learning as a pedagogy for effective teaching and learning. Its primary goal is to cultivate a shared understanding of play and its impact on pedagogical practices and how it enhances children’s learning experiences.

By the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

Competences

a)Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of play theories and their implications for pedagogical practices;
b)Integrate and operationalise diverse play-based and pedagogical approaches to design and lead engaging and Developmentally responsive learning environments;
c)Critically appraise the role of play in children’s development and learning within educational contexts;
d)Design, implement, and evaluate play-based learning experiences that address complex and diverse learner needs and abilities;
e)Strategically integrate indoor and outdoor learning experiences to foster continuity, exploration, and experiential engagement;
f)Embed and evaluate play-based learning resources within authentic classroom settings, demonstrating leadership in their alignment in their alignment with assessment and learning objectives.

Knowledge

a)Critically evaluate key concepts and theoritical perspectives related to playful learning;
b)Appraise different types of play and developmental schemas in relation to their significance in promoting various aspects of child development;
c)Critically analyse the practicalities and challenges associated with implementing play-based approaches and child-centred pedagogies in educational settings;
d)Evaluate the role of integrated indoor and outdoor learning experiences in promoting holistic child development and wellbeing;
e)Examine principles for designing and selecting developmentally appropriate educational resources that promote inquiry, creativity, and engagement through play.

Skills

a)Design and adapt play-based activities that synthesise theoretical knowledge with curriculum objectives and learning outcomes;
b)Plan and coordinate interactive experiences that blend indoor and outdoor learning, promoting cognitive, social, and physical development through purposeful play;
c)Foster and sustain supportive, child-led environments that cultivate autonomy, exploration, and problem-solving;
d)Develop and refine strategies for scaffolding play experiences to extend learning and foster deeper engagement;
e)Design, evaluate, and innovate play-based learning resources that align with curriculum frameworks, integrating differentiation strategies.

Assessment Methods

This module will be assessed through: Assignment and Activity Plan