Everyone learns differently.
For some students, a lengthy lecture sends them off into a drooling stupor, unable to concentrate and learn.
For others, learning material audibly is the only way they can grasp the information, while some just like to read the book and learn that way.
In an effort to appeal to the learning styles of those who hate lectures, some MSU professors were introduced to a program, Reacting to the Past, during the weekend.
The program lets students engage in learning by taking the role of prominent historical figures and arguing about issues from their character's perspective. The goal is to get students directly engaged in their education and what they are learning.
Programs like Reacting to the Past could be helpful in getting disinterested students and those who want to control their education involved in their classes.
It could also help engage students with increasingly short attention spans who can't sit still long enough for a lecture.
But professors should remember that different students in each class learn best in different ways, and they need to try to accommodate everyone.
Getting to dress up like Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis and argue about the Civil War and slavery might be just the thing to get someone interested in history class.
Or it might make some students want to gag.
Still, professors are on the right track by thinking of different ways to engage everyone in a class with the material. Exercises such as this, when done right, can be effective.
Besides role-playing, there are other ways professors can make class interesting for everyone.
Being passionate about the material, using real world or personal experiences when appropriate and encouraging discussion are all ways to make sure students aren't dozing off in the middle of class.
Professors should try to talk with students and not at them. Allowing the class to talk openly and ask questions is one of the most effective ways to get everyone engaged.
Sure, some lectures are going to be boring because of class length or material. But a professor who tries to make class the most interesting thing out there will make students want to stay awake at least.
