We Reap What We Sow

Halloween has just finished and whether you were dressed up handing out candy or hiding from the chaos, it got me thinking about our roles as instructors.

We don't have the option of hiding in the basement and turning off the lights, no matter how tempting it might be some days. Halloween always reminds me of my role in the classroom as an active learning instructor. A big part of my job is to offer students encouragement and try to get them to see the fun in the struggle that is learning, as they apply the skills they've read about in a textbook or heard about in a lecture.

Fun helps foster internal motivation, keeping students on task during the struggle and helps them retain concepts longer. Sometimes I'm just after the "Vibe" in the lesson. Something that will resonate with them long after they've left the college and are well into their careers. We all remember that one lesson from 30 years ago because the instructor made it fun and interesting. The "Vibe" (sometimes I call it the "instinct") stays with you forever. You may not remember the finer points of the lesson, but you remember enough to carry on a conversation at a party or find your way to the resource you need to brush up on the concept.

I'm not suggesting you dress up in costume every day, or even at all if that's not authentic to you (although holidays are a perfect excuse to dress up). Just take it one step at a time.

Whatever your discipline, here's a few tips for places to start:

• What do you think is fun?
• Survey your students. What interests them?
• Pick one lesson and add a bit of fun like a themed activity.
• Always remember, enthusiasm is contagious! - We reap what we sow.

On past Halloweens, I've created Walking Dead inspired lessons on consumption, and rock inspired activities about supply and demand.

Yours in Fun,

Rich -

Looking for inspiration? Here's just a few folks to follow. They've written books and/or lesson guides about fun in education.

Sharon Lauricella T. Keith Edmunds Wayne Geerling Thalia Goldstein Professors at Play Tim Smyth