Episode 23: Is Play in Museums OK?

Is play in museums ok, or is it a complete distraction from serious learning? In this episode of the Modern Museum Education Podcast, we tackle the deep tension many museum educators feel when incorporating play into their programming. It’s easy to doubt your work when colleagues or the public brush off creative family programs as "just fun," but I’m here to tell you that play and learning aren't mutually exclusive. We dive into the concept of childism to uncover why society views play as frivolous and how adult-centric expectations shape the public's view of museum exhibits. By placing solid research behind our practice, we can confidently confront these normative assumptions. You will discover how play motivates personal learning, learn how Harvard's Pedagogy of Play framework supports autonomy, and explore how to apply Keller’s ARCS model of learning to your programs. Whether you call it choice-based learning, embodied engagement, or play, it’s exactly what our visitors need to thrive.Ready to implement these playful strategies without getting bogged down in academia? Come join the conversation in our free Telegram community, the Engagement Lab (modernmuseumeducation.com/lab), or check out my professional workshop services to train your staff on handling play in your space. Head over to ModernMuseumEducation.com for all the links and resources mentioned in today's episode!For the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode, head to modernmuseumeducation.com/23 Resources Mentioned in Today's EpisodeJoin the Engagement Lab: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/labFind out how to partner with Rachel to improve your museum programs You can find all the books I recommend on this podcast on my Bookshop.org Podcast Recommendations & Resources ListAcademic Articles Referenced:Harvard’s Project Zero: The Pedagogy of PlayMardell, B., Ryan, J., Krechevsky, M., Baker, M., Schulz, T. S., & LiuConstant, Y. (2023). A pedagogy of play: Supporting playful learning in classrooms and schools. Project Zero. https://pz.harvard.edu/resources/pedagogy-of-play-book https://pz.harvard.edu/projects/pedagogy-play The ARCS Model of LearningKeller, J. M. (1987). Development and use of the ARCS model of instructional design. Journal of Instructional Development, 10(3), 2–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02905780 What is play?Sutton-Smith, B. (1997). The ambiguity of play. Harvard University Press.What is childism?Wall, J. (2019). From childhood studies to childism: Reconstructing the scholarly and social imaginations. Children’s Geographies, 20(3), 257–270. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2019.1668912Related Episodes and Blog PostsEpisode 22: Designing Programs for Kids and Adults Episode 21: Fostering Family Engagement Ways I Can Help YouCustom Made Museum Education Program Materials: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/museum-ready-materialsMuseum Education Professional Development: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/frontline-focus-workshops Museum Education Program Evaluation & Design: https://modernmuseumeducation.com/full-program-designConnect with RachelEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelegibson/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/modernmuseumedWebsite: www.modernmuseumeducation.com