Let's face it, getting students motivated and engaged in learning can be a difficult task often exacerbated within digital modes of education. The reasons for student disengagement are complex and beyond the scope of this blog post but, in my opinion, one issue is that our traditional modes of education are just plain ol' boring. There, I said it.
So, in an attempt to not bore my students to death, I often consider how I can adjust my approach to teaching to be more engaging. Playful pedagogy is useful and works well in all learning formats. Through play, I take my previously established activities, discussions, case studies, etc., and playfully re-design them. To keep this blog post short and consumable, I will share one idea (and a how-to guide) about making a small group discussion more engaging and enjoyable.
The Playful Re-Design: I turned one of my existing small group discussions into a Martian mission. The discussion questions and learning outcomes are the same, but the discussion is playfully presented, inviting students into a make-believe world.
Previously Established "Active Learning" Small Group Discussion: [queue teacher]: "Okay, class, please get in small groups and discuss ____ (fill in the blank of the content of your class). We will take 15 minutes for discussion and then we will come back together and each group will share their thoughts with the larger group." [Enter eye rolls, heavy sighs, and halfhearted discussions prone to side conversations].
Sure, this approach is better than pure lecture, it's more active and more likely to support critical thinking and co-construction of knowledge, but if we are honest, it's just not all that enticing for students. And if they aren't into it, they won't achieve the depth of our awesomely designed activities/discussions. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. But what if the water was tasty and contained edible glitter to become more desirable?! Enter play.
Playful Pedagogy Small Group Discussion: I took the same discussion and turned it into a Martian mission. It goes like this: [In an uncharacteristically serious tone] "Okay, class, we have more that we need to get to today, but first, we must stop what we are doing because I have been notified about an incredibly urgent message. Let's watch..." [I play the pre-recorded video of me as a Martian describing the mission. Watch the above-hyperlinked video for full context but essentially, I am the head Martian and the students are also Martians and they have been called to Earth to solve some of the Earthlings' biggest problems. In groups, they will pretend to go to Earth to disguise themselves as humans to understand the presenting problem. They will then report back to the head Martian a theory explaining why _______ (enter your problem to be discussed). This type of playful redesign of the "small group discussion" can be easily administered in-person, HyFlex, and in a synchronous or asynchronous format.
Students giggle as they watch the video, then they more joyfully engage in the discussion, they remain on task longer, and they seem more eager to share out their ideas in the larger group after the discussion. Students are still learning the same thing and using the same amount of time as the previously established discussion but now, students are having more fun. In addition, (through play) students can exit reality, in a sense, to consider course concepts from a different viewpoint. Something as simple as playing the part of a Martian who has come to Earth to solve an Earthling problem uses role-play simulation to enact perspective-taking to access alternative ideas and understandings. This type of thinking is powerful for deepening learning.
I created a "how-to" guide explaining how I made this Martian video if you were interested in making your own (admittedly, there are probably better ways but, hey...).
I realize that being playful or potentially acting "silly" is often at odds with adulthood and academia. I understand that not everyone values play as an approach to adult learning. Or, maybe this particular idea seems too "out there" for you, that's okay! But, I hope the essence of the example helps you consider how you can take what you already do and redesign it. That is, "play" with it to make it more unexpected, novel, and truly engaging.