All Work and No Play Makes an Adult a Dull Learner

Abstract

In educational contexts, the attributes of play and fun should be taken into consideration program design and content delivery, as these attributes can stimulate better learning results. This article proposes that playing with ideas and maintaining a playful attitude while constructing knowledge should be encouraged in adult classrooms. We begin with a review of the necessity of play for adult learners from the perspective of psychology. Then, we examine the relationship among creativity, imagination, and play. Finally, we look at the concept of play as it exists in practice in the adult classroom, and discuss its implications for adult educators.