how do I make a boring subject more interesting?
Every term I teach the concept of federalism in US government-the division of government into local, state, and national levels. Possibly because I have always been somewhat bored with the topic, the students seem to get bored with it as well. I just can't imagine or envision a way to make the topic exciting or the process or learning it interactive. Maybe I could assign positions to all of them, live governor, mayor, city councilman, and then have them sort themselves into different branches and levels of government, but that wouldn't make the topic more relevant to them. Not sure what to do.
I assume you are familiar with the book "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves". Maybe your class could create a short essay like the ones in the book, one that would have an unintended meaning if the grammar was incorrect
John,
I use role playing and case studies a lot in my classes for the reasons you list. My students love it when I use them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As a massage therapy instructor i think role playing is definately a great way to lighten the class room atmosphere and to apply real life situations into play that the students will deal with in their new career choice.
Aprilan,
Good advice for all instructors. Thanks for sharing it. We need to bring excitement and our A game to class each and every time we teach.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think the best starting point would be a change of attitude or perspective on the topic. From the title of this thread it's apparent that you find the topic boring. Which inclines instructors to present the material in a boring fashion. Students can tell when an instructor is bored or finds something boring and in turn reflect this attitude. A few suggestions is to stop teaching material you do not find interesting. If this is not possible then brainstorm a list of different ways to present the material; video, worksheets, group activities. If you can't get excited about the topic being presented then get excited about trying out new methods to present the topic. It will come off as enthusiasm.
Debra,
I am sure your students really enjoy the role playing and discussions. I teach content that is required and students are not excited about it at all. I employ these same strategies and they are always amazed that they are learning things that they can use outside of the class. Surprise!
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach law and ethics and we do alot of role play and group discussions pros and cons gets very involved on certian subjects
Eileen,
Is it possible for the students to do some type of service learning project? They could identify the need, develop a solution and then perform the service activity all the while writing about the steps and their involvement. If your college is supportive of such an activity you might want to try it on a pilot basis.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As an English teacher, I am always dealing with this issue. Most students arrive predisposed to be bored especially with grammar and often composition. I have tried many things. T attempt to select reading material that is "red hot" relevant/current/interesting. I vary class activities so that not too much time is spent on any 1 activity. But truly, I would love a really creative, ingenious idea (that includes building strong writing skills).
Have you ever thought of a guest speaker? Perhaps a city councilman, retired politician, someone involved in government.
Carrie,
Role playing works in may situations like this. Another is to form a mini-government and have people in government come in and expand upon the concepts that are being studied. Can you assign them a community government project, like attending a hearing, board meeting or etc. then reporting it to the class?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
