Prof. Barnett-Morris
Founder

I've always been fascinated with Education, and how play is related to development. In 1976 I graduated with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and continued in academia where I was able to devote myself to the field.  Today, I'm an Associate Professor in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the University of Illinois at Urbana Chapaign College of Applied Health Sciences.

 

 

My professional areas of interest include analysis of play and its relation to development; investigation of toys and play spaces as facilitative of play; and resources in research design and statistical analysis.

 

My research includes theoretical formulation of children's play; intrinsic motivation and rewards; the effects of adult-structured play and extracurricular activities on children's development and interests; and the play of chldren with special challenges and needs.