As educators, we strive to create meaningful learning experiences that engage students cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally. While lecture remains a common and valuable teaching method in higher education, research shows that incorporating active learning - where students engage directly through discussion, problem-solving, or hands-on activities - leads to increased understanding and improved outcomes.

Play, often associated with early childhood, can also be a powerful component of adult learning, too. Stephen Brookfield, a leader in adult education and metacognition, notes that almost every textbook on adult education practice affirms the importance of experiential methods such as games, simulation, case studies, psychodrama, role play, and internships.

Eugene Korsunskiy, an associate professor who teaches human-centered design courses in the engineering school at Dartmouth College argues that cultivating play and a sense of joy helps students reach deeper levels of metacognition and confidence in their learning.  He believes a sense of joy actually has cognitive benefits that support creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.  He designed Joy Cards as a tool for faculty to find ways to bring joy and play into their teaching.  This groupsourced resource is available to download from the Joy Lab or the CTL can share the set via pdf.

Let us know if you would like a pdf set of the Joy Cards.