Designing play-based education for makers in Singapore that nurtures curiosity, adaptability, creativity and imagination for lifelong learning

Abstract

This thesis proposes an approach to cultivating lifelong learning that is joyful and sustainable by drawing connections between play, learning and the creative practices of the maker community in Singapore. A maker finds joy in being able to make things on his or her own through the cyclic reflective process of being curious, pondering, questioning, considering, trying, failing, learning, re-learning and trying again. A maker’s approach to learning is self-directed, largely intrinsically motivated, collaborative and ultimately playful amidst navigating failure and setbacks. In this thesis I explore the idea that play and learning are inherently linked and that separating play from learning is not only counter-productive to Singapore’s desire to nurture boldness in creativity and innovation but detrimental to the wellbeing of learners and the pursuit of lifelong learning. Lifelong play the maker’s way can encourage sustained enjoyment for learning fueled by curiousity, an active imagination and the courage to be creative. This thesis will ultimately propose an educational programme designed for the maker community in Singapore as a starting point to nurture a play-based approach towards learning for life.