Presentation: TweetTeaching & Learning with Lego (Toys)

Most of the information in our brain is and remains unconscious. It is not easy to access - neither for us nor for others. When reflecting about a topic, only single aspects get our attention. Especially when it comes to complex challenges, it is often difficult to grasp the challenge as a whole or to focus on all its various aspects (soft facts, technology, interdependencies, interfaces,...)

The playful apporach with haptic materials such as LEGO® provides an effective solution: While creating a real model with our hands, our mind starts to create a model as well. Links between different elements get clearer and clearer. At the end, the model enables us to tell a coherent story about the topic. The physical model is a mirror of the model in our mind. It contains our ideas as metaphors and helps us to express abstract thoughts and complex interdependencies. The bricks are the anchors that help us to see the whole.

We can also use the model to test ideas, different variants and the impact of changes to existing approaches. This simulation of concrete or abtract contingencies enhances our knowledge of the system in question and fosters continuous learning about the system and its environment.

In this session you will get an idea on

• how research on play and learning improves your own learning capability
• how you can tackle complex or "wicked" challenges using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® materials and methodology
• how to develop more fun while learning