Is School Enjoyable? Factors Contributing to a Fun Educational Experience
Imagine a scenario where three live turkeys are set free in the school just as the lunch bell rings—with chaos ensuing. For some, this might sound like the most exhilarating part of their school day. The question at hand is simple: ldquo;How can school be made more enjoyable?rdquo; Let’s explore this from various perspectives, including the roles of students, teachers, administrators, and support staff.
The joy or suffering of one’s school experience largely hinges on their involvement and role. Are you a student, teacher, superintendent, principal, office worker, vice principal, guidance counselor, custodian, librarian, parent, or kitchen staff? Each role brings its own dynamics and challenges to the formula of enjoyment.
Enjoyment in Academic Success
For those whose school journey culminates in securing the professional path they desire, school becomes fertile ground for joy. For instance, from the outset, I envisioned leaving high school with an acceptance letter to university. Indeed, I received offers from three UK universities. School worked exceptionally well for me, and thus, I found it enjoyable.
Factors Leading to Lack of Enjoyment
Conversely, there are elements that can diminish the joy of schooling. Compulsion and overcrowding stand out. The necessity of maintaining a quasi-military order (if we must liken it to one) is a stepping stone to ensure students are organized and not wandering aimlessly. While it may seem draconian, such a system is often indispensable to provide cheap and accessible education to all, equipping them with fundamental skills—reading, writing, and arithmetic.
In traditional learning environments, especially as urban dwellers, these skills are essential for survival. However, more humane alternatives are available. One such approach gaining traction in niche circles is the restoration of the apprenticeship system. This method allows for a more practical and personalized learning experience, bypassing bureaucratic control and allowing individuals to learn as a hobby rather than a mandatory task.
Transforming History into an Engaging Hobby
Learning becomes intrinsically pleasurable when individuals are drawn to it as a hobby, free from the shackles of bureaucratic control. Take, for example, the subject of history. History can be made enjoyable by using romantic elements to pique interest. Romance does not necessarily mean propagandizing, but rather engaging students with captivating stories and myths. This approach can be highly effective.
Consider Mary Ellen Chasersquo;s juvenile maritime history, Donald Sobelrsquo;s ldquo;Lock, Stock, and Barrel,rdquo; and the excellent Schoolhouse Rock cartoon series. These resources provide a gateway to engaging historical content. Another excellent source is the Newbery books, such as The Language of the Ones and Zens by Elin Hilderbrand, which offers a different perspective on cultural history.
For instance, currently, I am reading a cultural history of New France. Without such resources, one might struggle to find interesting reading material, as many kids—especially in non-Quebec regions—might not know about the existence of New France. But the draw to history often lies in the attraction to a story, even a myth. While not all students may be drawn by these stories, a few humanities scholars are essential to maintain such rich traditions.
Conclusion
The enjoyment of school is a multifaceted concept. It is influenced by individual roles, academic success, the environment, and the methods of teaching. By fostering a more engaging and humane learning environment, we can make school a place where learning is an enjoyable journey rather than a chore. Whether it is through storytelling and mythology or through practical apprenticeships, the key lies in making the learning process a captivating and fulfilling experience for all students.