Learning Must Be Fun
Many might learn better when they have fun. I am saying this based on experience; I have had many students who enjoyed interacting in class and learn when they are interested on a subject and are having fun - to the point they forgot to take their 20 minutes break.
David Moradian
Leigh,
I can only imagine in terms of where the candy might fly. This is a fun way to review yet it accomplishes the goal. Nothing wrong in having fun and making learning more appealing to students.
Gary
I am a big kid. I love to have fun with my students. One way I keep review from being boring is by bringing a bag of jolly ranchers to class. I toss them for correct answers. The fun part is I am lousy at hitting my target. One never know where the candy will actually land...it make for a very entertaining review. :)
Hi Allan,
Thank you for those excellent words of wisdom that all of us instructors can benefit from and make a part of our professional lives.
The key part is the "not taking ourselves seriously" for sure. A common mistake made by many in all walks of life.
Gary
David getting them to forget a 20 minute break is fantastic! My hat is off to you.
I share with each of my classes that I believe learning is a journey, so let's learn and have fun along the way.
Under the heading of fun, a little laughter will go along way to keep students alert and interested.
I am a shade younger than seventy years of age
and have a few "sayings" I go by.
Here is one of them:
I take education seriously.
I take each class seriously.
I take each student seriously.
Lastly I must always remember not
to take myself too seriously.
Hi Hans,
I agree about the fun while learning concept. When students see that learning can be fun and that they are making progress toward their career goals they really get motivated. This is the fun part of teaching for us instructors when we see their motivation fire up.
Gary
I always tell my students there is nothing wrong with having fun while learning. If you have great interest in the subject it will be enjoyable and the information will be retained easier.
I think that by changing up the classroom activities and engaging the students in different ways to learn helps them understand the material better and keeps them engaged the entire time in the classroom.
Hi Vallene,
This is when teaching all comes together and you realize once again why you became a teacher. You are really impacting the lives of your students.
Gary
I've had this happen frequently - students who are so completely activated by the interaction of the group and the learning process, they don't want to miss out on anything!
I try to have fun in my classes that I teach. It seems to make learning more enjoyable to the students so when it is time to start the learning portion of the class the students seem more ready to focus on the material.
Hi Vincent,
Good comment about not only helping students but helping you to keep interested and excited as well. This is one of the enjoyable parts of teaching you get to create the environment that you want for both you and your students.
Gary
I try to have everyone involved and create a fun atmosphere. This helps me get through the day as much as it helps the students.
Hi David,
Thanks for sharing this example. I am a big fan of making learning fun and enjoying the process of gaining new knowledge. If we can set the stage for such with our students then we will be more effective and efficient in our efforts.
Gary
