The Problem With Play Based Learning

In what direction is the curriculum going? The educator must have an understanding of the learning that is important for students, when this happens the play based context will lend itself towards this important learning. The curriculum will reveal itself within social constructs.

A child can spend the day playing in the sandpit, the student has the opportunity to learn 

1. how to relate to others.
2. how to manage him or herself, the space and the equipment that is used.
3. making choices
4. problem solving
5. counting
6. speaking
7. finding patterns
8. symbols
9. algebra

the list is endless...

And here lies the problem. If the teacher does not have a strong understanding of pedagogy, of the community, the social context, children's development, the list is endless then these important learning opportunities can be missed and play based learning becomes play.

If it is important to learn how to count, how to count in different ways, how to understand the number five in a deep way, to gain a relationship with that number, then will the play grow towards that part of the curriculum without someone challenging the learners' thinking. Who decides if this is important? 

Play based learning has a place in education, as do many things. That list is endless also. 

We are not doing the important stakeholders in learning any favours by providing a play base to their learning when the grown ups don't have a strong understanding of the curriculum, child development, the community, social context, pedagogy, the list is endless.