It’s Time For A Playvolution.
In a world where traditional academic norms confine the human spirit, we invite you to join our global faculty network championing the integration of playful practices within higher education. No longer content with the stifling status quo, we assert the transformative power of play as a catalyst for unleashing untapped human potential.
Our mission extends beyond the mere endorsement of play; it is a rallying cry against the societal stigma that relegates play to the realm of childish frivolity. We dare to challenge these social scripts that shun play in adult learning, recognizing its intrinsic value in fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative educational landscape.
Through a symphony of collaborative efforts — be it within our supportive faculty network, dynamic workshops, thought-provoking events, insightful blogs, or groundbreaking publications — we invite you to help us redefine teaching practices. Our vision disrupts the obsolete norms of academia that stifle growth and hinder the realization of our collective goals and missions.
Play, a force not confined to the realm of childhood, holds immense sway within the walls of academia. Academics cognizant of play's power harness its potential to cultivate belonging, trust, and safety among learners. By dismantling fear, anxiety, and stress, these visionaries create an environment conducive to profound engagement and meaningful interaction.
It is time to recognize that play is not merely a tool for enhancing engagement; it is a revolution, a mindset, a philosophy that challenges the rigidity of conventional thinking. The rebellious nature of play propels flexible and dynamic thinking, offering an escape from the confines of outdated norms. A playful mindset, resistant to conformity, embodies human freedom and authenticity in the face of societal rules.
In the pursuit of advancing academia, we declare that play is not a luxury but a necessity. Without play, higher education risks obsolescence, jeopardizing the very fabric of our society. The analogy is stark: academia without play resembles a prison, an institution enforcing conformity and perpetuating outdated norms.
In this environment, learning becomes a chore, burnout looms, and innovation is stifled. The promise of higher education crumbles in the face of rigidity. We stand as the vanguard against such a grim fate, advocating for a paradigm shift that integrates play into the very fabric of education.
By nurturing well-educated yet playful graduates, we envisage a workforce that is not only competent but also joyful, effective, ecological, and humane. The first crucial step is to infuse higher education with the spirit of play, transforming classrooms and faculty minds alike. The world hungers for the richness of a playful existence, and higher education is pivotal in realizing this vision.
The time has come for a Playvolution in higher education.
Are you with us?
Dr. Lisa Forbes, LPC, RPT, Co-Founder of Professors At Play
Dr. David Thomas, Co-Founder of Professors At Play
Stephanie Pierotti, Director of ShapingEDU
