Learning Through Engagement by mualla

Learning Through Engagement by mualla - July 2017 Scholarship Essay

Learning Through Engagement

If I had been asked to give a TED Talk, I would talk about the importance of learning through involvement and enjoying yourself through it. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

Allow me to explain in an anecdote:

"Do you think you would be up for the challenge?" my team leader asked me.
"It's just seven kids that need help in math. I can do it,” I responded because I had always enjoyed the complexities of math problems. So, off I went to the classroom. I was confident that by the end of my first class these students would be just as in love with math as I was. I was wrong.

In my first session, students climbed on chairs and doodled on paper, while I tried to take their attention. It was hard not to be vexed, but I refused to accept the fate that they could not succeed. As a Big Sister mentor in the Students in Action team, I had to make sure I inspired these "at-risk" youths to dream of a better future for themselves. I knew I could help them. I just needed to figure out how.

So, I decided to go through articles to develop a method of catching the attention of the kids. However, the articles I read did not hold the answer to my query. The answer to my question came as I was watching my sisters play a game of learning the alphabet. Instantly, a light bulb went off in my head. Instead of going the traditional route of teaching math with worksheets, I realized I could engage students with educational games. I started to create fun math activities as I took the time to perfect them by using glitter and stickers. In addition, I bought candy to give to the kids as rewards.

The next week, I came in with my new set of learning materials. As I pulled up the activities, the kids were instantly excited. We began to play our first math game and, after every round, I rewarded the winner with candy. Thrilled to be able to learn through games, they eagerly solved math problems; some students even surprised me by attempting challenging questions. I felt proud to see those students improve and excited for math.

I stayed with those kids until the end of the year, and it has been a pleasure to help them learn and grow. As my students grew, I did too. I grew out of the notion that learning happens only through paper and pencil. Rather it happens through a fusion of knowledge, involvement, engagement, and, most importantly, having fun.
Through this TED Talk I would explain to my audience to learn for the sake of learning and enjoy what you learn without having the purpose of getting a good GPA, a good grade, or a good career. Because the purpose of learning, studying and continuing your education is not to get a good job, but to expand your horizons, love what you learn, and get excited for future lessons. As I am headed off to college, I am proud and excited to say that learning for its sake and having fun is truly a priority for me.