On Monday February 10, the College of Business and Technology here at ETSU hosted its first LEGO® Serious Play® skills-building workshop of the semester in Sam Wilson Hall.
This hands-on session is designed to explore creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving in a unique and engaging way.
Led by Mrs. Jillian Alexander, Director of First Year Experience and a certified facilitator of LEGO® Serious Play®, the workshops have proven to be a very transformative experience for all participants.
Despite the low attendance, the event’s intimate setting fostered a unique connection.
“The student had never played with LEGO® bricks before,”said Alexander. “Through this process, we built a community where I can continue supporting her as a student even after the workshop.”
The methodology’s key objectives, metaphors, storytelling, and uncovering creativity, resonated well with the participant.
“She told me, ‘I never thought of it this way until you had me build a model,’” said Alexander. “That’s the beauty of LEGO® Serious Play®, it pushes people to think deeper and uncover new insights.”
The success of this workshop lays a foundation for future events as it demonstrates the potential in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology.
Each session further solidifies the value of using play as a serious tool for personal and academic growth, ensuring that participants leave with new perspectives, skills, and a greater sense of connection.
As for what participants should take away, Alexander seemed to emphasize the importance of play.
She underscored how play isn’t just a childhood activity, it’s a vital aspect of personal and professional growth.
“Don’t be too serious to play. Play is crucial to how we learn, connect, and grow. It’s wonderful to see students reconnecting with childhood nostalgia while uncovering new knowledge,” said Alexander.
Through LEGO® Serious Play®, participants are encouraged to reconnect with their sense of curiosity and wonder, tapping into the same sense of joy and openness that many associate with their childhood.
By embracing this sense of play, participants not only learn about themselves but also develop skills that translate into fostering stronger relationships, innovative thinking and a deeper understanding of the world around them
Don’t miss the next LEGO® Serious Play® workshop on March 4th at 3:00 PM in the Brinkley Center, and for more information or to register, email Mrs. Jillian Alexander directly at alexanderjm@etsu.edu
