Marjaana Kangas

Generally, the learning environment is referred to as a physical, intellectual, socio-emotional, pedagogical and cultural entity in which learning occurs and which enhances children’s achievement and development.  In my doctoral dissertation, I have defined the Creative and Playful Learning Environment (CPLE) as a pedagogically justified learning environment where learning takes the form of creative and playful learning activities, involves the production of knowledge, content, artifact or media, and uses indoor and outdoor, formal and informal, and physical and virtual environments.

For more information: Kangas, M. (2010). The school of the Future: Theoretical and Pedagogical Approaches for Creative and Playful Learning Environments. Doctoral Dissertation. Acta Universitatis Lapponiensis 188. University of Lapland, Faculty of Education, Finland. Rovaniemi: University of Lapland Printing Centre.

Learning conception

Currently I’m working in InnoPlay research project that belongs to multidisciplinary InnoSchool (Innovative School Concept for the Future) Research Consortium. Our goal in InnoSchool is to reach common view of the future school from the following scientific areas: architecture and urban planning; education and the teaching–studying–learning process; playful learning environments; and process and innovation management.

Our practical results of the studies will be published as a Future School handbook.

The research consortium websites: http://innoschool.tkk.fi

Creative and playful learning

As defined in the context of playful learning environments (PLEs), I see that creative and playful learning is based on thinking, doing and physical activities, in other words, mind-on, hands-on and body-on activities. It encompasses states of minds as well as ways of acting and participating in the PLE.