CIT 2007 - WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2007

Education: The 21st Century's Vaudeville

Instructor: Sara Rofofsky
Adjunct Associate Professor
CUNY/Queens College

Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Yokum 201
Rating: Introductory
Cost: $40

Description:

Since 1985, when Neil Postman wrote Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business, educators have noticed that the standard faculty lecture no longer engages students' attention. Ever since the 'Sesame Street Generation' has reached college, faculty have found that the traditional lecture no longer suffices in addressing students' needs and wants in the classroom. Faculty are no longer educators, they are now 'edutainers.' No longer seen as the 'sage on the stage' the faculty member is now encouraged to be not only 'a fount of knowledge spouting wisdom to students' but a performer as well. With the growth of the entertainment industries, students are no longer able to sit still during a traditional lecture for the same amount of time as have their parents or instructors. Instead, a change from the behaviorist, teacher-led session to the student-centered discussion where students are engaged through entertaining active and practical learning is called for. One might ponder, how can this change be done? There is an abundance of academic discourse available on constructivism, and most of us are aware of project-based learning. However, how does one entertain the student? One way is through humor. During this session, Marcus and Sheidlower will share best practices and techniques for utilizing humor in the classroom, drawing on their real world experiences in bibliographic instruction, library skills, public speaking, international communications, and other required classes.

Through examples and scenarios, the session will lead participants in brainstorming ways to bring humor to the classroom without offending or boring the student or compromising the serious business of education. By creating a safe space, Marcus and Sheidlower will allow participants to explore their inner sense of comedy, experiment with their peers, and gain inspiration from the work of fellow participants. Participants will gain a toolbox of techniques, tips, and tricks to take back with them to their own students at their home campuses.