The physiology of play: potential relevance for higher education

Abstract

This paper explores the physiology of a play and its potential for advancing higher education through promoting joy and counteracting performativity, which we argue is a proponent of mental ill-health in the sector. Although a play is increasingly recognised as a fundamental part of the human experience and a successful teaching practice, it is only consistently applied within childhood education. We identify 3 key areas of play physiology relevant for higher education: physical and mental resilience; social intelligence; cognitive flexibility and intellect. We conclude that the incorporation of a play within higher education by developing ‘Playful Universities’ could counteract the fear of failing, avoidance of risk and other negative aspects of performativity and goal-oriented behaviour. Playful learning, therefore, challenges the continued relevance of focusing on a dehumanising and oppressive neoliberal model of performativity-based learning and sheds light on the potential of a joyous, authentic transition to the co-creation of knowledge within higher education.