Tuesday, February 17, 2009
History of Journalism professor excites students with costume and dance
One OU professor takes great lengths to keep students amused during class lectures by expanding traditional lecture styles and including entertainment.
History of Journalism professor Ray Chavez is one of those professors. During his lecture on Tuesday he adorned a cape, belt, mask and fencing sword to impress upon students the importance of the social history behind the story of Zorro.
Chavez said he loves lecturing students about the history of the press while adding his own personal flair. “I just wanted to have fun and allow some extra enjoyment for the students,” Chavez said, regarding his costumed appearance during the class.
For many students, conventional lectures do not enhance learning. Polly Debron, journalism senior, said “I’m just really tired of PowerPoint presentations, when Chavez danced around the room to Hispanic music he really got the class’s attention. I paid much more attention to his lecture after that.”
Chavez has taught numerous courses within the Gaylord College, including history of journalism, advanced reporting and honors research. Chavez will be teaching similar courses during the fall semester.
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That's very interesting to here. But it makes my critical mind wonder. Why do you think students, ranging from preschool to undergrad and even graduate student need an eye catching performance to spark interest in the lesson when in centuries past the lectures, and even the school as an institution, was an honorable, exciting event? I know this maybe dives somewhat deeper into the article than expected and probably has nothing to do with the class but just a fleeting inquiry I had.
ReplyDeleteNice post