Josh Luckens of the Wentworth Institute of Technology, Joan Zaretti of Bryant University and Karen Hopkins of Auburn University discuss their experiences creating playful and play-based programs and activities aimed at engaging learners and building community. They share strategies for cultivating a sense of belonging, purpose, and trust among students and faculty through the joy of play.

This episode originally aired on November 17, 2023 on the Centering Centers podcast, which explores the work of Centers for Teaching and Learning like Wentworth’s Teaching and Learning Collaborative, and the vision and insights of educational developers in higher education. It's a production of the POD Network, North America’s largest educational development community, which is dedicated to improving teaching and learning in higher education.

This episode is a production of POD’s Digital Resources & Innovation committee and was originally recorded as part of the PODFest series on December 1, 2022. Special thanks to Lindsay Doukopoulos, host of the Centering Centers podcast, for allowing us to share this episode with you all.

Additional resources:

• The Centering Centers Podcast
• The POD Network
• POD’s Digital Resources and Innovation Committee  
• CoLab Podcast Episode 13: Playful Pedagogy with Dr. Lisa Forbes and Dr. David Thomas
• Professors at Play: Transforming Higher Education Though Play

CoLab Remix Editor: Sarah Walkowiak (January, 2023)