Ambitious £1million undertaking aims to revolutionize university learning experiences
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is spearheading a groundbreaking £1 million research initiative which aims to revolutionize higher education by adopting more interactive learning methods. Led by Professor Nic Whitton of Northumbria University, and in collaboration with Dr Alex Moseley of ARU, the project, titled RE:PLAY (Researching the Effectiveness of Playful Learning in Higher Education), seeks to advance the use of inventive learning approaches in universities.
In today's rapidly evolving world, employers expect more than just academic knowledge from university graduates. They now value attributes like problem-solving skills, resilience, creativity, and teamwork. The RE:PLAY project will testify to the benefits of various 'playful' learning strategies that empower students to assume an active role in their education, facilitated through means such as role-playing, interactive simulations, and challenges.
Nearly £800,000 in funding has been granted to the project by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), with the remaining sum provided by the collaborating institutions. This is the first significant study into the effectiveness of playful learning in higher education.
The RE:PLAY project will progress over three years, with several phases. The initial phase will scrutinize the existing use of playful learning within higher education institutions and gather the views of senior leaders. Subsequent phases will delve deeper into the advantages, drawbacks, and obstacles associated with such teaching methods, culminating in the development of a research-backed framework and toolkit for designing effective playful learning experiences.
The project intends to challenge conventional beliefs towards play in universities, advocating for leaders to be more confident in embracing playful learning, encouraging academics to adopt these practices, and empowering students to engage actively in their education.
Professor Nic Whitton, of Northumbria University, stated, "The pandemic has necessitated a reevaluation of teaching methods. However, resistance to change persists due to sector-wide challenges such as funding constraints and escalating workloads. Playful learning, though not intended to trivialise education, offers an environment where students can feel secure to experiment, learn from their mistakes, and flourish."
Anglia Ruskin University has already embraced playful learning in its active learning strategy, promoting 'learning by doing'. This pedagogical approach resonates with ARU's mission to transform lives through innovative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial education and research, offering it to every student on every course.
In addition to Northumbria University, the research collaboration includes academics from Durham University, the University of Sussex, Coventry University, and the University of the Arts London. Six partner institutions - University of the Highlands and Islands, University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter, University of Greater Manchester, City University of London, and Teesside University - will support the research by conducting surveys among their staff and students.
The RE:PLAY project is poised to make a substantial difference in the future of higher education by justifying the role of playful learning approaches, which have the potential to invigorate student engagement, cultivate essential skills, and pave the way for a more participatory and dynamic learning environment in universities.
- Students at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) are encouraged to assume an active role in their education through the university's adoption of interactive learning methods.
- The RE:PLAY project, led by Professor Nic Whitton and Dr Alex Moseley, is researching the effectiveness of playful learning strategies in universities, aiming to advance education and self-development.
- The arts and humanities departments at universities such as the University of the Arts London, Coventry University, and Durham University are part of the collaboration, contributing to the research on playful learning.
- Online education and learning experiences may also benefit from the research outcomes of the RE:PLAY project, potentially enhancing engagement and the cultivation of essential skills among students.
- Employers now value more than academic knowledge from university graduates; they seek problem-solving skills, resilience, creativity, and teamwork, which can be fostered through playful learning methods.
