keeping it fun
In order to kep learners learning you need to keep it fun and up beat
Hi Erica,
Students do not like boredom, as the instructor we have to do all we can to make things interesting and fun.
Patricia
I found that this is key in my course. My content is drier than the Sahara desert. When I present my content, I try to have the students give examples that we will use for the duration of the lecture. For example, I had a lecture and every example referenced fainting goats. The result is engaged students who pay attention and remember the provided examples.
Hi Carmella,
I know I love this tactic. I use it all the time with my students to have them teach me as if I do not know anything about the subject matter. It is fun, and they do a great job as a class. Students want and need excitement.
Patricia
Allowing the students to participate in my lectures by having them write on the board or provide a scenerio has proven to be enjoyable to students. I tell them that I do not know anything about that topic and they must teach me clearly so that I understand it. They usually begin with a chuckle.
I am a chef instructor typically working in the student's more senior classes. It is the second time in their school career where we push them out of the nest to see if they can fly.
The first is early in the program and they have their disappointments softened and are handled with kid gloves. When I get the students further in the program they are about to be pushed out into the harsh realities of the working world where there will be no softening of the lessons.
I have found that to do the best job for the students I must be tough and rigorous in my application of the expections, rules and standards of excellence. This can be very different from their prior school experience. While I will not lower the standards, I try to instill some fun into achieving them or even failing them but enjoying the effort.
I make a point of poking fun at myself, telling stories of some of my biggest bloopers and how I rallied. I also act out the interactions with disappointed management and guests, usually doing both roles until the students start joining in. I want students to see there is success in embracing our failures.
I also reward the ownership of failing to make a standard. A student who recognizes their own mistakes or missing skills is one who is trainable and their scores reflect that shift in understanding. A student who is still not authentically receptive to coaching or reattempts loses points. In a world where our graduates will be putting product into the bodies of our public it is imperative the students understand the gravity of their work, but they might as well "get it" while giggling.
Maureen Lisi-MacReady
Hi Susan,
Simply, get loose! I love having fun, but my students will tell you they learn, and I run a tight ship.
Patricia
I'm going to thinnk about this from an Ice Breaker point. I NEED MORE FUN. I am way too serious as an instructor & it inhibits positive connections.
One of the ways we had fun when I was a college student was on the last day of class before the final, we would divide into 2 teams and play tic tac toe. The instructor put categories into each of the squares. When it was your team's turn, you chose a category, and answered a question. If you answered correctly, your team got an X or O. If you were incorrect, it was the other team's turn. When a team won, they all got mini chocolate bars. Then we would play again with new categories. I still remember many of the questions and answers. I intend to implement this fun game into my exam prep. -Jeanne
Hi Abigail,
There are some students that do not take well to humor. If you make one student laugh or smile you have made a difference. You can not please them all.
Patricia
How do you keep it fun for everyone? I feel like I try to make things fun and although some students are laughing or seem interested in class, I still have so many students that just roll their eyes and think I'm crazy!
Hi Robert,
Your response is very visual. I saw myself being a student in your class. It appears you have fun while learning. Having fun while learning is the perfect combination.
Patricia
Having fun in the class: raises heads, makes everyone smile and bright-eyed, rotates the leadership and keeps the interest going long after the class. It the gives the instructor a lead to open discussion on the class topic after the class.
Hi Brian,
Isn't it such the perfect combination..having fun while learning? What type of fun activities do you do with your students as they are learning?
Patricia
I definately agree with this philosophy. Students are definately more engaged when they are learning and enjoying themselves at the same time.
Hi Joseph,
I've heard of instructors playing jeopardy quite a bit to test students knowledge. Your idea does seem fun and interesting. Go for it and see how it works for you. You may be the one to start up a new thing.
Patricia
I'm interested in creating a game that all students can play that will test their knowledge of typefaces and help them learn - and even engage the student's help in creating the materials needed to play the game, like making typeface "flash cards". Any suggestions? Has anyone done something like this? Any reports on how successful such a game was?
Hi Diane,
Hands-on always seems to bring on more excitement to students. Of course, it is not always possible to do hands-on actiivities, therefore we as educators must make the theory as engaging as possible to promote excitment.
Patricia
Teaching the Foundation I Class can be alittle boring at times, students are excited about getting their hands in the food production. Most Chef will demo the recipes for the students in this being class, I demo but let the students get involved with helping with the demo cooking. This makes it more fun for them.
Hi Bennett,
The perfect combination is to have fun while learning. Older students do talk to new students, and as an instructor we want the talks to be positive about the courses we teach.
Patricia
