180: Liam Isaac Bringing LEGO Serious Play To The Education World

aarmau@gmail.comAugust 29, 2023Uncategorized

In this episode, I am honored to speak with someone who has as much and maybe even more love for play and learning. Liam Isaac is the Director of Learning and Innovation for SeriousWorks which is an organiztion that creates books, resources, and workshops on LEGO Serious Play. “LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® began as an experiential process designed for use in guided workshops with adults to prompt dialogue and encourage reflection, as well as develop problem-solving skills and use of imagination. However, SERIOUS PLAY® sets like the Starter Kit are also suitable for building critical thinking skills in kids 6+. Each set is designed to enhance different skills, such as reflection and dialogue, which will enhance the workshop experience. This innovative approach to interaction is a valuable asset in business as well as education and helps participants open up through the approachable medium of play.”(from LEGO website)

Liam has recently published a book focused on using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® in Education.During the session we discuss on how LSP can be used across various subjects and applications, making it versatile and transferrable. We also discussed its potential in supporting coaching experiences, planned learning experiences, workshops addressing big issues or challenges within schools, and even in developing strategic action plans based on findings uncovered during the process. Additionally, we explore his background in teaching in various countries and how that impacts his education philosophy.

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Challenges & Goals

Liam’s challenge is to enhance engagement and discovery in education through innovative methods like LEGO Serious Play. His goal is to make learning more accessible and engaging by leveraging play and creativity. The educator aims to constantly innovate their teaching methods, inspire creative thinking, develop a growth mindset among students, and integrate design thinking into the curriculum.

Takeaways

  • The transformative potential of LEGO Serious Play as a tool for effective communication. Its versatility across different subjects within the educational context.
  • There was agreement on the importance of creating an environment where students feel their voice matters.
  • Both speakers advocated for integrating playful methods like LEGO Serious Play into curriculum planning.

Emerging Patterns

  • Importance of active participation
  • Equitable sharing of ideas
  • Co-construction of knowledge in a learning environment
  • Emphasis on ‘learning by doing’
  • Iterative learning
  • Openness to new ideas

Key Moments

1) “I think LSP…is a tool to support effective communication.”

2) “Everyone has to build a response and everyone has to share their model story.”

3) “One of the nice things about using LEGO bricks is that you strip that back to a baser level of communication.”

New Ideas

  • Exploration of other tools or methodologies beyond LEGO Serious Play for design thinking in education.
  • Inclusion of more diverse voices – perhaps educators from different levels (primary, secondary), disciplines or cultural backgrounds – for a broader range of insights.
  • Creation of resources providing concrete examples for educators who want to start using LSP but don’t know where or how to begin(check out the book below!)

Resources

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