The Future of Education

When we think about the future of education, most people immediately think of computers, artificial intelligence, the internet, and digital literacy. However, very few think of play. Yet play has beneficial effects on children’s physical, mental, social-emotional, and academic development, as well as their overall well-being (Upper Valley Waldorf School, no date). Hundred (2023) argues that learning should be enjoyable, though not necessarily dependent on computers. Play builds the brain. As we learn, our brains change, but particularly when we engage in exploration. Children are a perfect example of this: they enter the world with a natural drive to experiment and learn through play. What they gain is not only the construction of new knowledge, but also the development of adaptability for life (Learning Through Play, 2021). We often overlook the fact that exploration involves engaging with the unknown, being curious, making decisions, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and experiencing joy in discovering and understanding new things. It is therefore important that games are purposefully selected, active, social, and supportive of children’s development, including their cognitive and motor skills (Harvard School of Education, 2023). I have also observed that children are far more engaged when I actively participate with them. I choose games that encourage development, involve all participants, and promote active engagement. In my work, I rely on games that I use with students receiving additional professional support. Perhaps we tend to underestimate the importance of play, as it has been present for many years. Nevertheless, it continues to play a crucial role in education, especially today, when the school system often emphasizes sitting still and completing tasks (Upper Valley Waldorf School, no date).

Keywords: Play, children, development 

REFERENCES

The Important Role pf Play in Education (no date). Get from Upper Valley Waldorf School: https://www.uvws.org/news/the-important-role-of-play-in-education

Play prepares children for the future. Any future (10. 2021). Get from Learning Through Play https://learningthroughplay.com/how-we-play/play-prepares-children-for-the-future-any-future

Embracing Learning Through Play (17. 5. 2023). Get form: https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/23/05/embracing-learning-through-play

Exploring the future of play-based learning (17. 5. 2023). hundrED https://hundred.org/en/articles/exploring-the-future-of-play-based-learning