Freshman Brandon Block has once again been honored by the Asbury Park Press in their monthly writing contest.  The March topic was “What changes could your school make to make learning more enjoyable?” and Brandon’s essay earned him a second place finish.

Brandon’s essay is below:

When someone says the word “school,” what word comes to mind? Is it “fun” or “enjoyment”? Educators would like to think so, but unfortunately, that is not always the case.  Students are tired of listening to long lectures, doing worksheets for seven hours a day and then completing long homework assignments. Something must be done to create a solution for those students who are not having a positive learning experience.  In order to make learning more enjoyable, teachers must engage the students in more thought provoking discussions and give them the opportunity to express themselves creatively.

For example, many social studies classes simply involve reading monotonous passages from textbooks, without any ability by the student to express his/her own ideas.  Students would prefer an interactive discussion of the topic, where free-thinking and creativity is encouraged.  The Socratic Circle Method is a technique where students in the center of the circle lead the discussion, while other students comment on the discussion.   Teachers can also have students give short speeches on topics they are interested in, with commentary by the remainder of the class.  Interaction and participation by the students would help make learning more enjoyable. 

Similarly, English classes typically involve reading outdated novels.  Teachers should choose novels that students can relate to and assign projects that allow students to express their creativity and individuality.  For example, teachers can have students produce an original video, where they can recreate the plot of classic novels in modern-day settings.  In addition, teachers can permit students to complete tests with a partner, which requires combined effort and interaction among students for a common goal.   Encouraging students to be creative and to work together will also make school more enjoyable.
       
Many students are forced to complete repetitive, dull assignments in class and at home.  Boredom can eventually lead a student to be disinterested in a particular class, or in school in general.  If teachers have students take part in more thought-stimulating discussions and give them the chance to express themselves creatively through their assignments, their school experience would be more positive.  Students that like school will clearly learn more and get better grades, which is the ultimate goal of the education system.