Playful Learning 2026 Programme

A Seriously Silly Session

Lead Author: Helen Stonelake

Additional authors:

Timetable: Wednesday Session 1: 13:45-14:30, Outdoors (Gallery 2 if raining)

Description:

Silliness is an aspect of play (and fun) that is usually put in opposition to the ‘serious business of learning’. But, what if it’s actually a shortcut to accessing the space within ourselves that allow the risk taking, freedom, and playfulness necessary to learn? This is the question at the heart of my PhD which I invite you to explore in this session.

The importance of inhabiting this potentially vulnerable space is underlined by Jarvis’s (2007) existential learning theory which posits that real learning cannot occur in binary contexts—where things are categorized as black or white, right or wrong. Instead, he proposes, genuine learning takes place in the “murky grey area,” where uncertainty compels us to challenge our assumptions and expand our thinking. To navigate this grey area, one must first acknowledge a lack of knowledge, leaving ego at the door. Something, that can be challenging for adult learners. This is where the full-bodied joy of silliness has a role to play.

In this session we’ll:

– learn about the power of silliness: how it can fast-track creativity, risk taking, and relationship building, leading to more inclusive learning environments.
– venture into the woods to explore what we find silly, how silliness makes us feel and think, reflecting on the difference this makes to our learning experience.
– find out what happens if we introduce silliness into learning situations and share ideas for real life applications.

This session will be both theoretical and interactive – with options for participation and space for reflection. Absolutely no forced fun here! Hopefully you’ll come away with a fresh perspective on silliness, have some reflections on how it can be significant for your work/selves, and have nurtured the playful, gleeful part of yourself that enjoys being a little bit silly from time to time.

References, web links and other resources:

Silliness is a little explored aspect of play, in relation to learning, and existing research is small and disparate. The below references touch upon it’s potential.

Ferguson, R. et al., 2020. Creating a Framework of fun and Learning: Using Balloons to Build Consensus. Brighton, Open University.
Fincham, B., 2016. The Sociology of Fun. Brighton: Palgrave MacmIllan.
Furnham, I. M. &. A., 2010. Mcmanus, Ian & Furnham, Adrian. (2010). “Fun, Fun, Fun”: Types of Fun, Attitudes to Fun, and their Relation to Personality and Biographical Factors. Psychology. 01., 01(3), pp. 159-168..
Huxley, S., 2022. The relationship between fun and learning: an online embodied enthography of coaches across continents, s.l.: Open University.
Jarvis, P., 2007. Globalization, Lifelong Learning and the Learning Society: Sociological Perspectives. s.l.:Oxon: Routledge..
Martin, J., 2022. No Stone Unturned ELIA Bianniel Conference. Helsinki, s.n.