Professor Merryman

Edutainment…for English class?

How many of you have had a great science, history or art class? Was it great because the teacher told you interesting facts, or because the text was sooooo interesting. Was it because the teacher involved you in the lesson or gave you the right amount of feedback; how about because you were learning things you could use in real life? Or possibly that their were activities in class you did that were fun? The last option may sound closest to what you would imagine as the best class. But was that what you did in Science, History or Art class? Probably not. I don’t ever remember playing games or doing activities in any of my classes, but maybe you do. I especially don’t remember ever doing ANYTHING fun in my English classes, well…I take that back. I did have a great creative writing class in which I had to present a product. Besides that one activity, nothing else stands out.

Who are the really great teachers? Looks like Walter Lewing is doing something good over at MIT. He recently appeared on Martha Stewart Living and has quite a few videos on YouTube of his fun classes. Professor Lewin teaches Physics.

Professor Walter Lewin - MIT Physics

Here in Japan, teachers with the most recognition are the ones who treat English class as a form of edutainment. It’s the ones who can keep the students attention long enough to get them involved in an activity that garners them the title of “good” teacher. Keeping the motivation high in the classroom means choosing material that is easy to make entertaining and fun to use. Some of my favorites include: restaurants, directions, shopping, invitations, introductions, emergencies, small talk, and complaints. I just wish I had all the props that Dr. Lewin has.