Here We Are, Now Edutain Us

"Wah wah woh wah wah."

Charlie Brown’s teacher is droning on about something. You're sitting at the back, struggling to concentrate, as the teacher drones on about some dry, complicated subject.

"Wah wah woh wah wah."

Is it really any wonder that the material seems to slip through your fingers like water?

I’ve been teaching martial arts for about 20 years now, and I’ve been helping people learn my whole life. As a product of two dedicated professional educators, I grew up highly valuing teaching.

I’ve always been fascinated by what helps people learn.

In martial arts instruction, I discovered the answer lies in striking a balance between being an educator and an entertainer. Drilling students relentlessly on a single technique might satisfy educational objectives, but it risks sucking the joy out of the class, making it tedious, even dull. If your students are bored, chances are they won't come back.

Now, in public education, students are essentially a captive audience, unable to quit atten…