I am a play researcher. I observe students at play, add play into curriculum, and create play, project and exploration-based learning for students of all ages. My Fulbright research aims to bring these play-based learning ideas to students throughout Australia – specifically Indigenous students. The data gathered would be connected to the research conducted in the United States to create a comprehensive scholarly body on the benefits of play and play-based learning.
Steffenie Williams is a PhD candidate in Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an award-winning teacher recognised with the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teaching Fellow Award. She specialises in play-based and project-based education, teaching STEAM subjects to 3k-8th grade students.
As a Fulbright Scholar, Steffenie will work with Indigenous schools and community organisations across Australia to incorporate play-based learning into curricula, fostering innovative approaches to education.