The other morning I saw one of my favorite episodes of Saved By the Bell (who am I kidding, they are all my favorite!). The one where the gang is in some kind of "life skills/health" class and they pretend to be married and have kids. I found it funny how every now and then, the principal Mr. Belding, taught classes, like this one, as if he has all this spare time on his hands!
From a teaching perspective, the episode provides a perfect example of something I strive to do in my classroom...being creative! Sure, Belding could have lectured on marriage statistics and different parenting styles. He could have had students read a book or present a powerpoint of research they had looked up. Not only would this have made for uninteresting television, but it would make for a boring class! Instead, Belding took advantage of a perfect opportunity to have the students role play simulations, which created a unique learning experience for the class (I'm sure that's what the writers were trying to convey...). Miss Wentworth's subliminal advertising demonstration (Zack Morris is a blonde Tom Cruise) and Mr. Tuttle's group business project (Buddy Bands!) are two more examples of creative teaching episodes I love.
If there is one thing I would want to share with new teachers it is this: do not be afraid to be creative. Dare to try something new and unique. Try a variety of methods so that you never get stuck in a routine of predictability and boringness (that may not be a word, but that is why I do not teach English). Create lessons that truly engage the students whether it's by connecting material to their personal lives, simulations, using media and music, playing a game...whatever! And if it doesn't work...try again! If the lesson doesn't pan out the way you hoped it would, learn from what didn't work and don't get discouraged. Heck, I've ended assignments and projects in the middle of kids doing them because I realized it was lame! I figured the kids would hate me for wasting their time and effort, but I discovered that they appreciated me being honest with them and willing to be flexible and try different things.
Now I get it. Some teachers would say that they don't have the time, personality, or desire to be creative in their class. Their methods work in getting students to learn _____ (fill in the blank), so why fix something that's not broke, even if the kids may think it to be "boring"? Or teachers may worry that unique lessons that get kids running around the school, or get them debating controversial ideas, or get them doing puzzles in class borders on a lack of classroom management. My response is simple...since when did teaching have to equal no fun!? Wouldn't students want to learn more from you if they know you're trying to make the class enjoyable for them? I think its a cop-out to not even try (and it's also weak to just play "review games" before every test and say the counts for being creative). I've had students play a version of "capture the flag" where everything is a metaphor for the age of European exploration. I've divided students into tribes to play "Survivor" and compete in class challenges while we learn about a unit. I've even strapped on a marching drum to have the students march like Civil War soldiers (without shoes on). The reward for me is watching how students remember more from those lessons or units than the "normal" ones.
I'm not perfect and I hope this post does not come across as bragging. In fact, I was reminded of the importance of being creative just last week when I witnessed my high school students moan when they look at the clock, slap themselves to stay awake, or flat out fall asleep in my class while I just stood and lectured. Its hard to not get upset or take it personal. So I spent my weekend trying to create a whole new way of teaching the class that avoids me boring the kids to death. This new method may bomb or it may work out well...all I can do is try
