Making Dull Subject Matter Interesting
When subject-matter is highly technical or requires that I have to deal with formulas, rules and the like, before starting into the subject matter, I try to find a common ground from everyday life that all can relate to and start an informal discussion with the class asking them what order do they follow when putting that engine back together, or how they reach that “higher” level of the game that they play, to try to show them that if they apply that same frame of thought or strategy towards what we are about to study, it can be challenging, but not impossible to understand and master what we are about to learn!
Hi Paul!
Self-disclosure from the very beginning makes you real and more approachable for students. A great way to begin!
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
What I have found to work really well is to start out with a personal story, how and when I first discovered the importantance the subject matter. No matter how dull they find it to be to learn, fully understanding the subject will lead them to great success in the future.
I can see where math might be dull for some people, but when you are instructing in an area which is critical to the career of the student's choice, I don't understand the disinterest of some students. Learning a vocabulary of the subject area is imperative in the class I instruct, yet this course in one area advises against learning vocabulary. I make it as interesting as possible, giving examples, suggesting mental images, etc.
Math is an area that many students find dull. I have been using motivating topics to start out the class. Starting the class with group sharing in how they use the math in their experiences and how it will make a difference in their education to have the formulas. Experiences really help motivate them to the topic.
Hello Hilda,
I was wondering if you could expand more on the "think, pair, share" activity you mentioned in your post?
I agree with this totally. I think it is important in every subject to find common ground with the students. I feel that it keeps the students interested and keeps them moving forward in the subject.
I also like to make the subjet fun by doing game type activities. The students like to compete against one another ,and they will be learning at the same time.
I think that even the use of something simple like "Think, Pair, Share" activities are useful to keep the students engaged and on-task.
Greetings Rebecca!
I couldn't agree more! Why don't you share through the post a fun learning game that you use?
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I like to break the students into groups as well to do activities. I like to have fun games for them to play. When the students are having fun they will learn better.
I also think that breaking students up into groups or including small projects or activities helps in that, they are able to remove themselves from being passive recipients of the material and are able to make applicable connections to the real world.
