“Education doesn’t always have to be serious!” Ever expressed or heard this viewpoint as an educator?
Often, teachers equate classroom “fun” with engaging games and activities that may not strictly adhere to standards. For some, it seems like there’s a choice to make between student engagement and academic rigor. But is that actually the case?
To an observer, enjoyable learning might appear disordered or even unruly. You might see students energetically jumping around, donning costumes, or passionately drawing or painting in subjects where these activities might appear out of place. On the other hand, critical thinking and fostering 21st-century skills might be visualized as a classroom where students are silently engrossed in writing or discussing topics softly.
However, is this division necessary?
Blending Enjoyment and Academic Rigor: Insights from Studies
Several experts argue that elements of enjoyable learning are essential for a child’s holistic growth and educational journey, especially when discussing 21st-century competencies. Creativity and Collaboration, two of the “four Cs,” thrive best in dynamic and sometimes noisy classroom settings, different from traditional teaching setups.
Youki Terada of Edutopia highlights the significance of incorporating drawing in all subjects — an action frequently reserved for leisure. This, he believes, offers students a fresh perspective, enhancing understanding and memory retention. Moreover, in a discussion with Psychology Today, mathematician Eugenia Cheng emphasizes the role of amusement in the classroom. Using props and other aids, she suggests, ensures students connect more with the content.
At the Connecticut Science Center, educators leverage enjoyable activities to instill scientific curiosity and even inspire students towards STEM careers. Engaging in activities like rocket launching and virtual space expeditions, students learn the essence of scientific thinking. The center stresses the importance of motivating students to embrace the scientific method, focusing more on experimentation and problem-solving rather than mere explanations.
Furthermore, the Common Core mandates a variety of learning methods for every grade level, emphasizing the integration of enjoyable methodologies. For instance, in the “Speaking and Listening” section, drawing, visual displays, and multimedia presentations are essential components across K-12.
Infusing Fun in Teaching: Guidance from Expert Educators
Wondering how to weave fun into your lessons without compromising on depth? Here’s what our seasoned teacher community recommends:
1) Engage through movement.
Let students stretch their legs and learn. Techniques like gallery walks, reader theaters, and STEM activities can merge movement with structured learning. As Anne Morgan from Suburban Science says, “Engaging physical demonstrations make learning intricate topics both interactive and enjoyable.”
2) Hand the reins to the students.
Tailoring teaching approaches helps maintain engagement. Granting students choices, whether it’s drawing a comic, creating an organizer, or penning down thoughts, allows them to resonate more with the material. As Nichole F. from The Craft of Teaching puts it, “Giving kids autonomy, like choosing their reading material, fosters creativity and enhances enjoyment.”
3) Incorporate games for revision.
Transforming mundane revision sessions into lively game-based ones can be impactful. Digital games, as Chandra Martin from Teacher Gameroom suggests, not only engage but also provide insights into students’ understanding. Katie Reeder Prentice shares a playful review method that combines problem-solving with teamwork and a dash of competition.
4) Connect with their feelings.
Drawing links between what’s being taught and students’ emotions can bolster their engagement. Lyle Jacobs uses Readers’ Theater scripts with relatable characters to illustrate character development through comics, making learning fun and relatable.
5) Mix things up.
A touch of novelty can rekindle students’ enthusiasm. From experimenting with seating arrangements to integrating various subjects in a lesson, ensuring students experience something fresh can be stimulating.
In summary, while education isn’t just about having fun, sprinkling in elements of enjoyment can not only make learning engaging but can also amplify its depth and impact.
