Making Schools Work: An Equation for Active Playful Learning

Research from the interdisciplinary "science of learning" indicates that children learn best when they are actively engaged in learning that is meaningful, socially interactive, iterative, and joyful. These principles coalesce in active playful learning, especially "guided play." This active, playful pedagogy enhances learning through intentional instruction that activates students' autonomy and intrinsic motivation while teachers guide them toward a learning goal. In this paper, we provide a framework for facilitating guided play through a 3-part equation of incorporation of cultural values, the science of how children learn, and the science of what children need to learn to thrive in school and beyond. A summary of the research supporting the efficacy of this approach is provided, as are recommendations for how to implement the equation through guided play in our schools.