“Catch me if you can”: Learning to Play in a Jungle of Expectations

Fitri Suraya, Mohamad (2025) “Catch me if you can”: Learning to Play in a Jungle of Expectations. In: The Playful University : Philosophy, Pedagogy, Politics and Principles. Routledge, New York, USA, pp. 95-102. ISBN 9781032408453

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Abstract

This Global Voice chapter provides a Malaysian perspective on the Playful University, exploring how play is understood and utilised in Borneo, along with the challenges faced by Southeast Asian higher education institutions in reconciling Western-dominated narratives with local values. The chapter also highlights Malaysia's distance degree, where universities are still considered the epitome of education. The chapter argues that scholars from the region often modify their thinking to conform to community expectations and university politics upon returning from academic pursuits abroad. Against this backdrop, the chapter examines the idea of a playful university in Borneo, where oral tradition and indigenous games are dominant. Playfulness is a safe approach to navigating differences and gaps in learners' cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The author suggests incorporating playfulness in pedagogy at the university must consider gender roles with care due to deeply rooted societal expectations for male leadership and authority.

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