It’s Not All Fun and Games

Abstract

After relying on a pedagogical approach of direct instruction over play-based learning as my own teaching philosophy before beginning my undergraduate degree, placement experience began to alter my thinking. While I viewed play-based learning as having limited educational value for young children when I started my undergraduate degree, I decided to investigate the perceived value of play with others in the field of education. I found that educators had very definite perceptions of which pedagogical approach was appropriate for their learning environments and teaching philosophy. In particular, the physical learning environment influenced educators’ decisions to utilise either direct instruction or play-based learning. My own opinions of the value of play-based learning have altered over time and with experience, and I can now see the great importance of play in children’s learning.