Fun with learning
I have found that students really like to see the not so common things that happen in everyday practice. While teaching imaging class I have found that while teaching the students to critique x-rays its fun to throw some of the unusal things in with the ordinary everyday. By mixing it up and making learning fun they seem to retain the informaion better and for longer time period.
I agree. We have scenerios in our simulation lab related to the lectures for the students to play out and it reinforces the information that was covered during lecture. They enjoy the opportunity to explore the different roles within the lab setting.
I try to tell my class an example of an unusual story from my experience to round off the more practical ideas. This shows balance in the discussion and keeps them engaged.
Joseph - I couldn't agree more!
Good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I have found that students really like to see the not so common things that happen in everyday practice. While teaching imaging class I have found that while teaching the students to critique x-rays its fun to throw some of the unusal things in with the ordinary everyday. By mixing it up and making learning fun they seem to retain the informaion better and for longer time period.
I try to engage the students into the visuals and lectures by asking them questions in areas that I think that they are open to respond. Reading their faces!
Today, we were talking about "bathrooms" and bodily functions in the 18th century, doesn't that sound like fun? It actually turned into an entertaining section of the class. Many of the students participated, talking about just how different it was and how the past all sounds so "romantic" when actually many aspects of life were very difficult and probably wouldn't want to put up with in current times. Today, students were engaged, enjoying the class. I'm not sure that fun is the operative word but it is probably as close as it's going to be happening in this history class.
Hi B. A!
What are some fun things that you do in class to help students stay connected?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
If students are having fun, an enjoyable time, feeling that their time has value, it's worth coming to class, they may not focus on what's going on in class. Advertisers have found that the attention span of many is less than 20 seconds; if fun is involved that can captivate students for much much longer and keep them engaged in the class.
Having fun with teaching really helps the students have fun while learning. I have noticed over my years of teacing that some of the lessons that the students remember the best involve some element of chance (often a mistake)that makes everyone laugh unexpectedly. As a class we can then use that positive energy to reinforce techniques thoughout the term.
Good morning Karen and to all discussion participants!
Everybody enjoys a fun experience - even the most difficult student to reach.
I hope that a few of you will take a moment and share some of the fun stuff that you have done in your classroom. It is always great to get ideas from our peers.
Good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I agree too if the student sees how much fun your having with the material then I think it makes them excited also. Whatever we put out as instructors that is what we are going to get back.
I do the same I mixe think up to make sure the class is more fan
Do you just have a flash of insight or are there sourcess of books or websites to help those with a "dimmer" light?
I want to do a "Survival" game in the course of food safety and sanitation, but have been limited by thinking all by myself and getting caught up in the details.
Hence any other sources?
Hi Allana!
WOW - I TOTALLy Agree!!!! I recently was reminded how powerful role playing can be. Students in my professional development class worked together as a team to make peanut and butter sandwiches. What a WONDERFUL learning experiences for all of us. Students were so energized and were able to relate this activity to the entire course of 5 weeks. That's when an instructor feels as though students have learned!
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I love role playing!!! To have the students act out different scenerios and themes purtaining to what they are learning helps the students to visually relate to the topic and trust me, they never forget the topic, laughter, and funny acting their fellow peers engage in. It is a fabulous ways to break the ice a bit and have the students interact with each other!
I can see where having "unexpected" information while delivering information can keep the class more attentive during a lecture!
That is a great idea. I group the class into team, and play pictionary with what they have learned in the class. The class really seems to enjoy it, and retain more.
I agree you have to make learning fun to keep the students attention on the subject matter and also on the subject itself.
Michael - I couldn't agree more!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
haveing fun wile you learn is not only benefitial to the student it also benefit the instructor by keeping the passion in the teaching witch rubbs off on the students and and reminds them of the passion that brougt them to that particular carrer in the first place
