Higher education institutions around the world are rethinking how learning happens in the classroom. Lectures and discussion-based formats, while still common, often struggle to engage all students equally. Participation tends to be uneven, with a small number of confident voices dominating conversations while others remain passive. At the same time, educators are expected to help students grapple with increasingly complex, abstract, and interdisciplinary concepts. LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) offers a practical, research-informed methodology that directly addresses these challenges.
LEGO® Serious Play® is a facilitated, hands-on method that uses LEGO bricks as a tool for thinking, reflection, and communication. Participants are asked to build models in response to carefully designed questions, and then explain the meaning of their models to others. This process transforms learning from a passive activity into an active, reflective, and deeply engaging experience.
One of the most powerful benefits of LEGO® Serious Play® in academic settings is its ability to give every student a voice. Unlike traditional discussions, where participation is optional and often influenced by confidence, language fluency, or cultural norms, LSP requires that everyone builds and shares. This ensures equal participation and creates a more inclusive learning environment. Students who may be quieter, more reflective, or less comfortable speaking in large groups often find it easier to express themselves through building and storytelling.
LEGO® Serious Play® is particularly effective for teaching complex or abstract concepts. Topics such as systems thinking, leadership, ethics, organizational behavior, research design, or strategy can be difficult for students to grasp through lectures alone. By building models, students externalize their thinking and make abstract ideas tangible. Relationships, patterns, and interdependencies become visible, which supports deeper understanding and critical thinking.
The method also encourages reflection and metacognition. As students explain their models, they articulate not just what they think, but why they think it. This process strengthens learning retention and helps students connect theory to practice. Many educators report that students remember insights from LEGO® Serious Play® sessions long after the course has ended.
Beyond classroom teaching, LEGO® Serious Play® is increasingly used in universities for student onboarding and cohort-building. New students can build models representing their expectations, concerns, and goals, helping facilitators surface shared themes and address issues early. This fosters a sense of belonging and psychological safety, which is especially important for international students or those transitioning into higher education.
LEGO® Serious Play® is also valuable for faculty and academic staff development. Universities use the method to support curriculum design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic planning. Faculty teams can build models to explore teaching philosophies, program goals, or institutional challenges, leading to more aligned and productive conversations.
Importantly, LEGO® Serious Play® is not about “playing with LEGO” in an unstructured way. It is a rigorously designed methodology with clear principles, ethical guidelines, and facilitation structures. To use it responsibly and effectively in academic contexts, proper training is essential.
Fully online, self-paced LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator certification programs are available and well suited for educators, researchers, and academic professionals. These programs cover the theoretical foundations of the methodology, practical facilitation skills, and guidance on designing sessions for classrooms, workshops, and institutional settings. Participants learn how to frame powerful questions, manage group dynamics, and adapt the method to different learning objectives.
For academics interested in creating more inclusive, engaging, and reflective learning experiences, LEGO® Serious Play® offers a proven and versatile approach. Those who want to learn more about the methodology or become certified facilitators can explore comprehensive online training options at Serious Play Business, where LEGO® Serious Play® is taught in depth and applied across education, business, and organizational contexts.
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