Non-Stop Mega-Fun Learning

Abstract

Learning how to learn can be reinforced in many ways.  But learning without play or fun is difficult---grim and boring.  Classical Pedagogy with its “serious” student-teacher-admin-istrative rituals may be the major failing of our educational system.

Unorthodox ways currently used in colleges to augment persuasion and articulation ability of business school students is to use “stand-up” comedy (University of Chicago), song- writing, storytelling and bare improvisation (Vanderbilt University-Owens Management); and for a Shakespearean motivational spin, relative to other management skills at the corporate executive level (Northrup-Grumman).

Another novel learning way is by continual repetition through audio-visual media, where information is presented in a risk-/stress-free environment.    Suggestion, Auto-suggestion. and Suggestology have been used for years in Europe; for example, at Moscow University three years of studying French are compressed into less than one year by total immersion of students into a close network of students-parents-teachers-environment-activities---where, for example, only French is spoken.

Other approaches are to have abstract ideas in the sciences translated into physical learning devices such as toys or robots: repetition with/without background music—operas or Mozart --, using the olfactory stimulation of aromatherapy, “pigging out” on pizzas before, or during, the learning session, or encouraging the ingestion of chocolate “stuff” to enhance retention.