Play based learning or learning through play?

When discussing my inquiry, a colleague pointed out that I kept changing between using 'play based learning' and 'learning through play' to describe what I was inquiring into. I didn't realise there was a difference! I obviously needed to develop my knowledge so I was explaining my inquiry effectively. 

I found a document on the TKI curriculum site about play and it acknowledged both terms meaning the same thing as long as there was learning and not just play. 

"Learning through play is a pedagogical approach where play is the valued mode of learning - where children can explore, experiment, discover and solve problems in imaginative and playful ways. Learning through play is also called play- based learning." (NZ Curriculum, Feb 2019) 

It explains that learning through play teaches a wide range of skills and key competences which is obviously what I am trying to achieve through playing the ENGAGE games with my students. The document highlights the role of the teacher and how I can support effective play - based learning. It explains that I need to participate in meaningful conversations with students, facilitate social interactions and provide sufficient opportunities for students to engage in play which are things I think I do well in my class. However, I direct the play in my classroom and control what skill I want the students to develop through that particular activity. The curriculum suggests that I need to create a classroom environment that offers rich play opportunities and, play opportunities that are built around student's interests.   

Tina Bruce, a professor of Early Childhood Education in the UK, believes  "...adults should support and facilitate play but not be in charge of it; children should be allowed to be in charge of a free-flowing form of play, making up rather than following rules, and coordinating the various play-agendas of all involved." (Early Childhood Education, fifth edition)

I struggle with this form of play based learning as Tina implies that children should be able to choose when they play, who with and where it happens. Children with autism are notoriously self centered and would happily choose to play by themselves with the same toy again and again! What I am trying to achieve with my students is that they understand it is fun to play/ work with others and that actually it's ok that the other person wants to play in a different way. And then to deal with all these new ideas in a positive way!!

The whole aim of this inquiry is that I want my students to develop the skills of play, interpersonal skills and intrapersonal skills, so it doesn't seem to matter which play term I use when describing it but rather, how I facilitate that play and that they are learning. I gained a greater understanding about 'play based learning' from both articles and am going to try and create more opportunities for the students to direct their learning through play more. 

I am going to try setting up areas of play around the classroom with a range of materials and toys that the boys can engage with whenever and however they want. I am also going to continue with the ENGAGE games as I have already seen the benefits from playing these games and developing particular skills of play. 

Maybe a combination of directed 'play based learning' and self directed 'learning through play' will contribute to greater outcomes for my students!