Rich Stories: Embedding LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® into Undergraduate Medical Education

Clare Thomson,Helen Reid,Jennifer L Johnston

doi:10.18646/2056.54.18-024

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the concept of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) as a means to channel students’ creativity and break down boundaries and preconceptions regarding reflective practice or any other abstract concept. Our working context is a United Kingdom (UK) medical school, on the island of Ireland.

Highlights

The term ‘reflection’ has different meanings and is interpreted by curriculum designers in different ways
Medical students are expected to begin a journey of reflective practice in their first year which will continue throughout their careers, for professional development and regulatory requirements (General Medical Council, 2018)
It is widely accepted that medical students and doctors find reflective practice challenging and unfamiliar (Driessen et al, 2005)

Summary

Introduction

The term ‘reflection’ has different meanings and is interpreted by curriculum designers in different ways. There is little evidence of a critical approach to educating students, and training educators, to match the fast pace of implementation of reflective practice (Mann et al, 2009). Bringing diverse skills and knowledge together in our team of educational developer and clinical academics, our teaching philosophy is that of a critical constructionist approach. With the basis of our creative pedagogy firmly rooted in educational theory, we translated LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP), already popular in other tertiary education and corporate settings, to guide students towards a deeper understanding of reflective practice (James, 2013; Nerantzi and Despard, 2014; Peabody and Noyes, 2017). We introduce the concept for reflective practice and to encourage creative approaches to team working and introductions in a fun, safe environment. This article will share our experiences of embedding an LSP workshop into an undergraduate programme

Workshop context and setting

Group builds

Outcomes

Conclusion