TEACHING WITH MAGIC

THANOS HATZIAPOSTOLOUTHANOS HATZIAPOSTOLOUTHANOS HATZIAPOSTOLOUTHANOS HATZIAPOSTOLOUSenior Lecturer, Department of Computer ScienceSenior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science

LEARNING BEGINS WITH WONDER - Engaging Students through Teaching with Magic 2

ENGAGEMENT, MOTIVATION, LEARNINGENGAGEMENT, MOTIVATION, LEARNING

active student-centered learning, formal and informal interaction, well-structured course, meaningful assessment, detailed feedback

Research shows that motivation and engagement are essential for effective learning.

Keeping students motivated and engaged in learning is not an easy task to achieve.

Many teaching and learning conditions can play a role on student motivation. Just to name a few:


ROLE OF LEARNING CONDITIONSROLE OF LEARNING CONDITIONS

Learning and teaching conditions are critical since they:

may promote motivation and engagement

or may trigger negative moods, anxiety, disengagement and boredom

The challenge for educators lies in not only sparking the fire of engagement but keeping the fire burning.


CLASSROOM ENGAGEMENTCLASSROOM ENGAGEMENT

One important learning condition is the teaching style of the educator

Educators are constantly trying to find methods to provide content in a way that will be remembered and keep students engaged in learning

Examples of such strategies include using humor, using real-life examples, using technology etc.

A very innovative way to maximize the chances for strong and lasting engagement and motivation of students is to use MAGIC.


MAGIC: WHY USE IT IN CLASS?MAGIC: WHY USE IT IN CLASS?

MAGIC is a performing art or skill of producing baffling effects or seemingly impossible illusions by sleight of hand or apparatus

There are many categories of magic effects such as vanishing, transformation, penetration, teleportation, prediction etc.

Magic is both visual and auditory, it is intellectually challenging, it is surrounded by mystery, contains the element of surprise, triggers feelings, emotions and imagination, draws the focus and attention

Magic can act as natural stimulant increasing alertness and energy, puts students in a much more receptive state for learning and overall, strengthen emotional, congnitive and behavioral engagement


10 YEARS OF TEACHING WITH MAGIC10 YEARS OF TEACHING WITH MAGIC

The purpose of this presentation is: to present the benefits of integrating

magic effects and illusions in the teaching/learning process

after ten years of: giving lectures, presentations,

seminars and speeches

in various topics (technology, computing, business, innovation, entrepreneurship and many others)

to audiences from ten years old to fifty years old


BENEFITS OF TEACHING WITH MAGICBENEFITS OF TEACHING WITH MAGIC

MAGIC can demonstrate and highlight academic concepts

regardless of the level (primary, secondary or tertiary education)

and regardless of the discipline (physics, psychology, computer science, economics, law etc)



Lecturers emphasize key points in a lecture.

Some use anecdotes to illustrate main points, others use real-life examples.

MAGIC can be a strong method to clarify, visualize and emphasize key points.

Students, ask themselves: “What does this magic effect teach me?”



Many studies reveal that a percentage of students thinks lectures are monotonous and sometimes even boring.

MAGIC effects and illusions injected with humor can break the monotony of a lecture, make students more receptive and engage them in active learning.



MAGIC effects and illusions can spark and sustain students’ energy, excitement, and love of learning, and cultivate a thriving and passionate community of learners



The first impression of the teacher and the material to be presented are very important.

Learning is more fun when the environment isn’t too rigid.

MAGIC effects can break the ice and set the appropriate atmosphere for each class.



Student/teacher rapport is an essential element for effective teaching since positive rapport seems to facilitate both student motivation for learning and their enjoyment of the course.

MAGIC illusions related to class material can greatly enhance student/teacher rapport.


ADOPTION REQUIREMENTSADOPTION REQUIREMENTSADOPTION REQUIREMENTSADOPTION REQUIREMENTS

Practice, practice more and keep practicing Practice the inner workings of an effect Practice in front of a mirror Practice in front of a friendly live audience

Magic is not done, it’s performed Presentation adds value and makes the difference Appropriate presentation types:

Strong integration with taught material Story-telling for lifelong skills Story-telling with humor


AFTER ADOPTION SUGGESTIONS

Some things are better left unsaid Avoid using the words ‘trick’ and ‘misdirection’

The secret to a magic effect: reveal it or not? Revealing the secret destroys the mystery Only expose if it is part of the teaching process

Personal teach-by-magic style Perform magic that corresponds to your teaching style

Repetition is not suggested Not interesting to experience same or similar effects Principle of surprise is difficult to accomplish


SUMMARYSUMMARY

Teaching through Magic Effects and Illusions does require time, effort and practice! not only to learn to perform magic effects but also to find the proper ways to effectively and

efficiently integrate magic in the learning and teaching process

BUT IT’S WORTH THE RESULT!

THANOS HATZIAPOSTOLOUSenior Lecturer, Computer Science DepartmentCITY COLLLEGE, Int. Faculty of the University of Sheffield

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.city.academic.gr/csd/hatziapostolou/

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TEACHING WITH MAGIC