Imaginative Play in Higher Education: Co-Creating Holistic, Revolutionary Learning and Development

• In Event: 63.084 - Roundtable Session 22
  In Roundtable Session: 63.084-8 - Innovation, Imagination, Transformation in Education

Abstract

This autoethnographic, reflective study demonstrates the presence and significance of life-span imaginative play activity in higher education. Ten graduate students and their professor co-created a fourteen-week course that considered a sample of conceptual, empirical, and practical literature on life-span imaginative play. As a means of engaging the literature, the professor and students created playful learning activities and offered final performances of what they had learned and how they developed (with)(in) the course. Based upon oral and written reflections, video recordings, and photographs, the professor and students created opportunities to experience life-span imaginative play across multiple developmental domains, established emotional and intellectual connections, and transformed their research interests and teaching approaches. Illustrations of course activities and participant development will be offered.

Authors

• Luke Perone, University of Washington - Tacoma

• Ashley Payne, The University of Memphis

• Kathryn M. Sharpe, The University of Memphis

• Beijia Tan, The University of Memphis

• Crystal L. White, Shelby County Schools