Back to [Pre]School: Learning through Play

David Wang, MFA Candidate, Louisiana Tech University; Adrienne Hooker, Assistant Professor, Louisiana Tech University

Students practice design in elementary school—drawing, cutting, assembling, reading, and writing. At an introductory level, university programs reinforce and expand upon connections to design elements and principles. However, an instructor’s teaching style becomes stagnant with the usual lectures and never-ending critiques. Learning styles often are disregarded and fun disappears from the classroom.

Elementary school is exciting. Students look forward to class: story time, games, show-n-tell, recess, and snacks. There isn’t pressure to perform, even though lessons are constantly being taught. Educational objectives are developed through collective learning and themed concepts.

This workshop revisits the preschool experience with a variety of methods that help students realize how design fits into the world around them. Learn how to establish a routine of active lessons and frivolous play to break up the monotony of a studio class period. Hands-on understanding and applied knowledge are constant educational outcomes with by-products of increased enthusiasm and more productive creativity.

Participants: 20 maximum; 8 minimum

Level: foundation to introductory-level design