# The missing ingredient in how we learn

- Institution: TED
- Department: TED-Ed
- Speaker: TED-Ed
- Year: 2026
- Level: For everyone
- Language: English
- Subjects: Psychology and the brain, Teaching and learning
- Source: [TED](https://www.ted.com/talks/ted_ed_the_missing_ingredient_in_how_we_learn)
- Licence: [CC BY-NC-ND 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) (Non-commercial use only, and no changed versions.)
- Who can watch: Teens profiles and older (sources give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the source's own words)

Before the last few centuries, children around the world spent most of their time learning through play: observing and mimicking adults, roaming their surroundings, and sharing what they learned with friends and family. Many communities and educators still believe play is one of the best teachers we have. Explore the benefits and challenges of using self-directed play-based learning in schools. \[Directed by Hernando Bahamon, Vicente Numpaque, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio\].

## Lectures

1. [The missing ingredient in how we learn](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/ted/ted_ed_the_missing_ingredient_in_how_we_learn/60475cb106cd), 6 min (TED's player)