Is it really compatible to have a successful classroom with lots of fun as well? For me, they are inextricably linked. Fun and learning need to go together. If the learning isn't fun, then it's really difficult to become engaged in the process and as a consequence, deep learning, getting lost in the process, is much less likely to happen.
What about the side effects, perhaps seen as undesirable to some? Noise, disorder and movement in the classroom seem to be contrary to a good learning environment but I firmly believe that for deep learning and true engagement, there may be evidence of a chaordic environment in the classroom.
Chaos and order can be present when creativity rules. For some it is seen as disorder, for others it is the best environment to work in and when we speak about learning styles, a chaordic style needs to be considered. It really works well for the faster paced pupils who want to move, talk, engage, share and experiment in order to reach the higher levels of learning that they are potentially capable of. However, we often limit the chaordic environments, by imposing control and may, therefore, limit their opportunities to succeed.
Please read this article which has a great example of this type of learning
Why Having Fun Makes Classroom Management Easier
I was watching him as he was showing a group of students how to straighten a coat hanger for their rocket’s launching pad (we were teaching physics), when a few boys standing several feet away started giggling among themselves.
John looked up and yelled, “Hey, knock it off! I’m showing you something really cool and you’re missing it.” They said they were sorry and joined the group.
It occurred to me in that moment that John was teaching without a net: no classroom management plan. Although he was quick to correct students who interfered with learning, he didn’t seem to have any specified rules or
consequences.
After school that day, I asked him about it. “Hey John, don’t you use a classroom management plan?”
“Nah,” he said, “but I probably should. My students get too loud and sometimes I have to raise my voice, but I never have any real behavior problems.”
First published 7 Feb 2010
What about the side effects, perhaps seen as undesirable to some? Noise, disorder and movement in the classroom seem to be contrary to a good learning environment but I firmly believe that for deep learning and true engagement, there may be evidence of a chaordic environment in the classroom.
Chaos and order can be present when creativity rules. For some it is seen as disorder, for others it is the best environment to work in and when we speak about learning styles, a chaordic style needs to be considered. It really works well for the faster paced pupils who want to move, talk, engage, share and experiment in order to reach the higher levels of learning that they are potentially capable of. However, we often limit the chaordic environments, by imposing control and may, therefore, limit their opportunities to succeed.
Please read this article which has a great example of this type of learning
Why Having Fun Makes Classroom Management Easier
I was watching him as he was showing a group of students how to straighten a coat hanger for their rocket’s launching pad (we were teaching physics), when a few boys standing several feet away started giggling among themselves.
John looked up and yelled, “Hey, knock it off! I’m showing you something really cool and you’re missing it.” They said they were sorry and joined the group.
It occurred to me in that moment that John was teaching without a net: no classroom management plan. Although he was quick to correct students who interfered with learning, he didn’t seem to have any specified rules or
consequences.
After school that day, I asked him about it. “Hey John, don’t you use a classroom management plan?”
“Nah,” he said, “but I probably should. My students get too loud and sometimes I have to raise my voice, but I never have any real behavior problems.”
First published 7 Feb 2010