Having fun in class
The idea of having fun, being creative and spontaneous in the class room becomes a very good learning active for the students, besides breaking the "Boring Lecture" you have shown the students that there is another side to their instructor which allows the students to gain a little more respect for the instructor, this process allows both the instructor and the students to create a atmosphere that is open & positive in the classroom/lab.
Having fun. Role playing is a great way to create fun in class. Mistakes are made when role playing and students usually find humor in the mistakes. This can be a great teaching instrument for instructors by applying additional comments that creates even more humor, in a non-disrespectful manner. This will create class enjoyment. This will create an event where the instructor can correct and teach what the right action should be. And because of the humor, this creates an event where memory association can be generated!
Adding some humor also helps to keep the instuctor engaged with the students. I find some kind of learning game helps.
I agree that classes need to be fun and not boring. Students tend to remember more from courses that are interactive and make them feel like they are having fun while their learning.
Hi Kim,
By having control of the class and how fun and humor is introduced to the classroom setting there won't be a problem of them getting out of hand. Over the years this has never been an issue with my classes.
Gary
What happens when the fun gets out of hand? I think that the ground rules need to be in place before humor and fun can be introduced. I do agree however, that humor in a classroom is essential.
Hi David,
The key is to set a tone for the classroom that is supportive and comfortable for the students. The use of humor really helps with that process.
Gary
AFTER SITTING IN DIFFERANT CLASSES I HAVE FOUND THE ONES THAT ARE FULL OF HUMOR TEND TO DO BETTER
Hi Gail,
Thanks for sharing these great examples of how a course can be fun but very focused on the content.
Gary
One of the speeches I like to assign in public speaking class is informative speeches. As part of the speech I also allow demonstration. We have had cooking, knitting and cake decorating demonstrations, all while also delivering the speech. It usually goes over really well.
I always try to find something to have fun with/about in class. I started using the "Would you Rather....." card in class as an ice breaker, but now I build them into my public speaking class as an impromptu speech exercise. Also, charades as part of non-verbal communication sections of the class are really popular. I have the class create their own scenarios so I can join in the fun. So many adult learners think that this experience will be formal lecture. I like to combine both so the formal part is kind of in disguise..also, humor can immediately diffuse a situation if you know how to use it. I also find that humor can draw people out of their shells, which is always a good ice breaker for the first few classes.
I agree with John. There are times that the class material just doesn't lend itself to fun. If it's a serious topic, if it's a topic that just by it's nature would be disrespectful by having too much fun.
But there are ways to make any class activity fun. My students are slightly older students most of whom are there to learn new skill for a changing job market but I also have some younger, fresh out of high school students who only want to have fun in class. We have to reach a middle ground that is best for all types of learners. I achieve this by letting the younger learners have their fun for a few moments and that also helps the older learners to reach their inner child.
Hi Samuel,
Good for you. Many instructors don't bring to the classroom enough humor and light hearted exchanges as the class gets underway. By doing so you are not in anyway not taking serious the course content you are just giving the students an opportunity to get comfortable and settled in for the day.
Gary
I am naturally a person who likes to use a little light hearted banter. I find that when I utilize the lighter side I get good student attention and class participation for the entire class period. This translates to a fun and exciting course.
Hi Asha,
I have a PowerPoint version of this game and my students can't wait for chances to get into teams and play it. It is great for review and getting the students fired up. Thanks for sharing.
Gary
I started to do a jeopardy like game at mid session and then at the end of the term . It always brings students who hesitate to contribute drawn in the game and participate.
Hi John,
I agree as well. The primary reason for being in the class is to learn the knowledge and skills of the field. Providing a supportive and enjoyable learning environment helps that to be accomplished. The key is to find the balance so the are learning the critical content while enjoying being in the class.
Gary
well said chef, you hit it right on the nose.
Well said Bradley. I think one common thread among all people is humor. Who doesn't like to laugh and be entertained. I instruct some pretty dry material like servesafe, food science and nutrition so I try to incorporate humor into my lectures as much as possible.
I agree that having fun and making the learning environment enjoyable are critical, however focus needs to remain on the practical applications of the material learned. Providing a fun environment while making sure material is applicable to real life provides the best of both worlds.
