Building knowledge and learning communities using LEGO° in nursing

Abstract

Playful learning has numerous benefits in HE, including improved reflective capacity, deeper critical engagement and increased creativity. LEGO° activities informed by the LEGO° SERIOUS PLAY° (LSP) method can unlock hard to reach prior knowledge and experiences, whilst increasing quieter students’ confidence to contribute to discussions and improving group cohesion. Through a student-staff partnership approach, our case studies explore the potential of adapted LSP for improving student engagement, dialogue, critical reflection and participation in the classroom. We evaluate the findings from collaborative action research in two related case studies with third-year undergraduate nursing students at the University of Surrey. With the Adult Nursing cohort we explore the use of LEGO° to increase engagement with personal tutorial groups, and with the Child Nursing cohort we investigate the impact of using LEGO° activities to enhance critical engagement with care scenarios.