Making Learning More Enjoyable: “Learning Through Play” in China

The 2023 Yidan Education Forum hosted a book launch event, officially introducing Making Learning More Enjoyable: 'Learning Through Play' in China to readers. This book, a result of the "Learning Through Play in China" research project supported by the Chen Yidan Foundation and the LEGO Foundation, was published by the World Publishing Corporation of China Publishing Group.

1. Introduction

Educators share common expectations for children's happy and efficient learning. With the rapid development of Chinese society, the educational concept of "edutainment" has been widely recognized, but it also requires support from the entire educational ecosystem. In this context, to fully understand the status of "Learning Through Play" in China, the research team used various methods, including questionnaires and field surveys, to conduct in-depth research in schools, families, communities, and other public spaces. They explored the topic from four dimensions: interpersonal relationships, space, digital tools, and developmental obstacles, attempting to comprehensively analyze the status of "Learning Through Play" in China from multiple angles, fields, and dimensions, highlighting its importance in contemporary education. This book provides valuable insights for children and parents, teachers, educational researchers, and policymakers, aiming to help Chinese society better understand and engage in the practice of "Learning Through Play" in children's education.

2. Leading Experts

Shang Junjie

Associate Professor, Researcher, and Ph.D. Advisor at the Graduate School of Education, Peking University. He has served as Vice Dean of the Graduate School of Education, Chair of the Department of Educational Technology, and is currently the Executive Director of the Learning Science Laboratory and Deputy Director of the Basic Education Research Center. He also serves as a member of the Teaching Guidance Subcommittee for Educational Technology in Higher Education Institutions under the Ministry of Education, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the Learning Science Branch of the China Association of Higher Education, President of the Educational Games Committee of the China Association For Educational Technology, and Vice President of the Intelligent Educational Technology Committee of the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence.

Zhang Lu

Lecturer and Master's Advisor at the Institute of Educational Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. She holds a Ph.D. jointly cultivated by Peking University and the University of Pennsylvania and serves as Deputy Secretary-General of the Professional Committee on Game-based Learning of the China Association For Educational Technology (CAET), Director of the Learning Science Branch of the China Association of Higher Education, and Chair of the Doctoral Student Forum of the Professional Committee on Game-based Learning of the CAET. Her research focuses on gamified learning and technology-assisted second language acquisition.

Li Xiuhan

Lecturer and Master's Advisor at the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education, Central China Normal University, and a recipient of the provincial talent program in Hubei Province. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy in Teacher Education and Leadership from the University of Hong Kong and a Master’s in Educational Technology from Peking University. She currently serves as Deputy Secretary-General of the Learning Science Branch of the China Association of Higher Education, and Trustee of the Professional Committee on Game-based Learning of the China Association For Educational Technology.

3. Recommended by Experts

Wang Zhuzhu

Former Director of the Central Institute for Educational Technology

“In the era of lifelong learning, learning motivation and interest are of paramount importance. Future learning should not be confined to traditional schools and classrooms but should expand into a more open, enjoyable, and interconnected space for personalized cognition and interaction. Gamified learning successfully integrates formal and informal learning inside and outside of school, combining self-directed and collaborative learning. This book elaborates on the positive impacts of gamified learning on children's cognition, behavior, and emotions, fully demonstrating the significant contributions of modern technology and society to education and highlighting China's focus on individual growth, holistic development, and creation of happiness in basic education, aiming to cultivate well-rounded and innovative talents.”

Wu Yinghui

Director of Haidian District Educational Science Research Institute, Beijing

“Have you ever wondered how children should learn? Should it be through dull and tedious knowledge impartation, or through acquiring knowledge in a relaxed and joyful play? Undoubtedly, we prefer the latter. This book, through in-depth research, discusses the status of "Learning Through Play" from four dimensions — interpersonal relationships, space, digital tools, and developmental obstacles — against the backdrop of China's rapid social development. It showcases the charm and value of "Learning Through Play" and reveals its future trends in China. This book is suitable for anyone concerned with children's education and provides insights into creating a more joyful and efficient learning environment for children.”

Li Fangle

Former President of the China Association For Educational Technology, former Vice President of the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences

“Learning is the lifelong pursuit of human beings, and play is an important mode of learning. This book deeply investigates the status quo of "Learning Through Play" in China from four dimensions — interpersonal relationships, space, digital tools, and developmental obstacles. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the educational value of "Learning Through Play" and provides useful references for both practitioners and researchers in the field of education.”