The idea of fun in learning can be a tad bit difficult to grasp. But the truth is that learning becomes far more effective when it is integrated with fun. In fact, at Excelsior American School, we firmly believe that learning something new, improving the knowledge base, and the prospect of self-development are all the aspects that should be fun in itself. But while all the aspects mentioned above might be exciting, the process of self-improvement through learning might turn somewhat monotonous if not taken care of beforehand. When we introduce the fun element in this process, it not only gets easier to motivate the students to learn but also the result is more productive and creative.
At Excelsior American School, one of the top schools in Gurgaon, we have always believed in making learning engaging for the young minds, and incorporating the fun factor is one of our ways to ensure that. With that being said, here’s delving deeper into how fun in learning has been helping us boost the learning outcomes of our pupils.
The science behind the fun in learning
We have always maintained that learning needs its bit of fun because it simply will not be effective without it. However, it is not only something that we are saying from our experience but also has the support of numerous research and studies.
- In one of the studies published in the academic journal, College Teaching, it was reported that students could recall a lecture much more easily when the lecturer included jokes about the lesson.
- Renowned neurologist Judy Willis showed in her book that fun experiences help increase the levels of oxygen, endorphins, and dopamine in the learners, which is an important combination to promote learning.
- In a research work published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior, Michael Tews found that students are keener to try new things when the learning environment is fun.
- Laura Kubansky’s research shows that fun makes the mind feel easier to retain information.
- Dulay & Burt (1977) and Krashen (1982) found evidence that individuals learn better when they feel strong positive emotions.
These are only a few examples from the masses of research work we have found regarding the impact of fun in learning. We might have mentioned only five examples here, but these offer enough proof about the scientific evidence of the significance of fun in learning.
How fun in learning helps boost creativity and productivity?
Since we have already discussed the scientific studies backing our methods, let us now discuss the connection between fun on learning and how it raises creativity and productivity in students in detail in the section below.
- It helps to make sure that learning doesn’t become a chore
There is no denying that the stereotype associated specifically with the conventional notion of learning is that it is a difficult and tedious chore. And we certainly wouldn’t want our students to only sit down to learn because an authoritative figure told them to do so. At Excelsior American School, positioned among the top schools in Gurgaon, we believe that though all children are naturally born curious, the traditional form of rote learning often takes away their inherent desire to learn. And of course, the last thing we would want is to make learning seem mechanical.
When we consider a fun learning experience, we take into account that learning can be as fun as play. Thereby, we apply a combination of unique learning strategies, innovative tools, and inspiring resources. Doing that makes learning a transformative, motivating, and exhilarating experience for the young minds. Thus, fun in learning can very well be equated with the joy of learning.
- Makes learning a satisfying experience
Traditional education systems focus more on filling the learners with as much data or information as possible on different topics. But, in the dynamic environment of today, information can soon become irrelevant and outdated. Moreover, information can easily be searched for or looked up using the Internet. Thus, solely accumulating data or memorizing information is redundant.
Introducing the fun element in learning resonates with the idea that we learn every day throughout our lives from the day we are born. It is about making learning more of an organic process. In return, it will also make learning new skills or topics a highly satisfying experience.
It goes without saying that learning becomes more effective when the mindset towards the hard work needed is a positive one. Thus, the fun learning approach lets individuals consistently update their skills and knowledge, discover new and improved ways to grow, and keep up with the changing trends.
- Taking skills inequality and skills gap into account
Presently, there exists a gap between what education teaches and the practical knowledge demands in the real world. Carrying extensive knowledge and qualifications is great, but it is also important to have the capacity to transfer and apply the knowledge to solve daily problems. Furthermore, such a widening gap between skills and practical application can negatively impact the professional lives going ahead in the future.
A fun learning approach also focuses on the ways to learn, so the individual becomes more self-aware about his/her own strengths, learning styles, and interests. Also, the approach lets learners remain resourceful and acquire information on all subjects and manage it.
Therefore, it lets children draw on their past learning and life experiences to apply the knowledge and skills in different contexts. Furthermore, the inclusive value of the approach asserts the right of children to access high-quality learning opportunities.
- An approach to tackle skills uncertainty
In the current scenario, the future is so ambiguous that it’s really difficult to predict the kind of jobs there’ll be in the coming decades. Furthermore, it’s as important to forecast the challenges for the next generation and the skills needed to successfully deal with them. However, as educators, we are still tasked with the responsibility of empowering learners to face the future with confidence.
As such, the fun learning approach helps to explore and develop life skills. It focuses on the development of the key competencies that promote positive and adaptive behavior. Additionally, it lets the learners effectively face the uncertainties and challenges of the future. After all, the skills acquired through this approach are imbibed in the mind to be drawn for a lifetime.
Keeping all these facts and factors into consideration, we, at Excelsior American School, one of the top schools in Gurgaon, have always strived to incorporate fun elements in everyday learning through varied classroom activities, excursions, interactive sessions, and more. And going by the results of such initiatives of ours on the learning outcomes of our students, we are positive to present a stronger integration of fun activities into our teaching-learning process in the future.
