Play-based Teaching in Higher Education

Bjarne Isaksen|Ronny Johansen|Janne Madsen
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Hardback
9781836622239
09 February 2026
£85.00
eBook (PDF)
9781836622222
19 January 2026
£85.00
eBook (ePub)
9781836622246
19 January 2026
£85.00

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  • Description
  • Contents
  • About

Play-based Teaching in Higher Education explores the transformative power of play in the education of future teachers. This volume brings together a collection of research articles that delve into the use of play-based teaching methods with adult students, particularly in teacher education programs.

The chapters present a compelling case for integrating play into higher education, highlighting its potential to enhance learning, foster critical reflection, and build strong relationships among students and educators. Through various studies and case examples, the book examines the benefits and challenges of playful pedagogy, offering insights into how play can be used to prepare students for their future roles as educators.

Readers will discover how play-based teaching can create a more engaging and collaborative learning environment, promote deeper understanding, and encourage creativity and experimentation. Play-based Teaching in Higher Education is an essential resource for educators, researchers, and anyone interested in innovative teaching methods that go beyond traditional approaches.

Introduction; Bjarne Isaksen, Ronny Johansen, and Janne Madsen

  • Chapter 1. The Power of Play: Fostering Becoming Through Playful Pedagogy in Teacher Education; Nosipho Bele
  • Chapter 2. The Playworld Approach as a Way of Increasing Play Experiences for Students in Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs; Martina Tesikova and Anne-Erita Gunhildrud Berta
  • Chapter 3. Practicing Co-Playing through Playworld in Early Childhood Teacher Education; Anne-Line Bjerknes, Åse Lund, Torill Sæterstad, and Aud Helene Kjæret
  • Chapter 4. Exploring Play-based Learning: Perspectives of Early Childhood Teacher Education Students and Practicum Mentors in the Context of a Children’s Museum; Miriam Wiik, Maria Dardanou, and Bente Karlsen
  • Chapter 5. “We learn and have fun at the same time”: Play-based learning activities in kindergarten teacher education; Bjørk Kehlet, Heidi Brødsjø, and Sunniva Bang
  • Chapter 6. Learning through or learning to?; Frederik Kjær Zeuthen
  • Chapter 7. Measuring the effect of a large-scale didactic ‘Playful Learning’-intervention on pre-service teachers’ preference and intentions for future practicepractice; Bent Sortkær, Mona Have, and Jeppe Bundsgaard
  • Chapter 8. Integrating Play-based Learning into Teacher Education with Minecraft and Escape-Games; Magnus H. Sandberg and Liv G. Lofthus
  • Chapter 9. ‘It takes too long and is not perceived as a need’ – Play-based teaching in teacher education; Ronny Johansen and Janne Madsen

Bjarne Isaksen is an Associate Professor in Educational Science and Music Education at the University of South-Eastern Norway.

Ronny Johansen is an Associate Professor in Norwegian Language and Didactics at the University of South-Eastern Norway.

Janne Madsen is a Professor of Educational Science at the University of South-Eastern Norway.