Wednesday, July 30, 2014

My Favorite Dinosaur & Shared Absurdity

I make my students do A LOT of drawing. Not only that, I often require that the drawings include dinosaurs.

This is for a few reasons:

  • By making the last question of a quiz/test a random dinosaur drawing, it helps them to relax a bit and maybe remember the answer to that question that was just beyond their recall.
  • By making the last question of a quiz/test a random dinosaur drawing, it forces them to slow down a bit rather than rushing through - and more likely to look back over their answers before considering themselves finished.
  • By making the last question/part of an assignment a random dinosaur drawing, it forces them to slow down a bit rather than rushing through - and more likely to look back over their work before considering themselves finished.
  • They enjoy it. Even the ones who complain about it are quick to point out in disappointed fashion when I don't include a required dinosaur drawing.
  • The shared experience of absurdity draws them closer together - there is actual research on the shared experience of absurdity, check it out people!
  • It makes the course more memorable (remember that child development teacher we had freshman year who always made us draw dinosaurs?).
  • And of course, my own personal amusement!
All this to introduce one of my favorite dinosaur drawings of the past school year:


I love when they draw me! How great is that?

It's also nice to know that clearly I strike terror into the hearts of all, even dinosaurs. Love the look on this dino's face.

And now that I've drawn you in (hopefully), here's a little TED talk on that shared experience of absurdity research - watch it! Trust me, it's worth it!




2 comments:

  1. I really LOVE that video! I don't think adults take the time to laugh enough! :) Thank you for sharing it.

    Not Just Child's Play

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  2. I liked your drawing. I looks some what like dinosaurs. I am very much found of drawing. basically i am a writer in case study report writing service. I used to draw in free times.

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