Making Learning Fun!

GARY BRADSHAW, Elementary Principal at RD American School, reflects on how the school believes fun can make learning stick for students.

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In most schooling environments beyond Early Childhood, the concept of “fun” is often dismissed as lacking academic seriousness or rigour.

Although recognised as powerful for early development, fun experiences tend to be sidelined throughout the majority of a student’s school journey.

Yet, the emotional state induced by fun and enjoyment parallels the enthusiasm and engagement that are needed for optimal learning.

The question emerges: should fun be an explicit objective in classrooms, and how vital is it to learning?

The case for fun

If we seek a transformative shift in education for deep, enduring and transferable learning, we can no longer afford to sideline the significance of “fun”.