The Power of Collaboration: Assessing and Engaging Students in Play-Based Learning

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Bending Curriculum Spaces to Enhance Pedagogy and Learning

Abstract

This study examines how a teacher-researcher collaboration resulted in discovering the potential of integrating play into teaching practices. Participants from this study included three teachers and their students (n=51) from two mixed age classrooms of 1st and 2nd grade (6-8 years). Our analysis focuses on how play can both engage students while learning math concepts (measurement and size) and help teachers assess students’ understanding. Using qualitative research methods, we analyze students’ work from two playful drawing activities and the resulting impact the findings had on future curriculum. Findings from this study show the importance of collaboration, and further explore how play can be a tool for learning, teaching, and assessing students.

Authors

• Christine Lee, University of California - Los Angeles

• Olivia Lozano, University of California Los Angeles

• Rosie Virginia Torres, UCLA Lab School

• Gabriela Cardenas, University of California - Los Angeles