Dying of Boredom: Creative Teaching

The first image many think of when identifying a boring teacher is the droll, monotone instructor lulling his class to sleep in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." While that portrayal may be the iconic go-to example, it really isn't far off the mark when it comes to approaches some educators take to infuse knowledge. What's sorely lacking is any sort of entertainment value that grabs students' attention to keep eyes front and minds sharp.

Personality and Charisma
Often there is an instructor whose antics are so engaging and memorable that they create a buzz around campus, making his class the one not to be missed. Unlike the boring faculty member who dryly runs through the syllabus without a twinge of originality, this teacher brings a sense of flair that captures students' attention, keeps them interested in the subject, and encourages them to talk about it outside the classroom.

Interactivity
Lecture hall is a staple of college life, but that doesn't mean it must also be a boring, uninspired experience. Engaging students on more than just a superficial level is an important component for grasping lessons, according to the Creative Learning Site. Good college teachers mix it up to reach beyond the conventional classroom by assembling in a grassy park, scheduling a field trip or simply strolling with students around campus while they're immersed in stream-of-consciousness conversations and enjoying some hot chocolate.

Good Teaching Practices
Students are unique in how they absorb information, which means different learning styles require different teaching methods. The one-size-fits-all approach is not only a disservice to students in general, but can produce graduates who are ill-prepared. The NDT Resource Center points out how a curriculum rich in visual (diagrams, videos), auditory (group discussions, word association) and tactile (hands-on experiments, role playing) techniques hits the trifecta of good teaching.

Technology
Technology's interactive nature engages students far beyond conventional standards, thus challenging the status quo and taking education far beyond what teachers of the past could offer. Computer simulations and games, for example, take the focus off one-directional lectures and encourage group participation. If you ever walk past a classroom filled with loud outbursts and raucous laughter, find out who the teacher is and sign up for his next class.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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