Modern Research- Talking to children

The teacher in me decided to do some research a la kid style: I discussed gaming with my kids. I asked them if they had used the Sims instruction book (because it seemed worn). I got total silence and looks of "are you joking". Tranlslation: NO!
Apparently kids don't read! That could be a problem down the road ....oh wait not, that's already a problem!
(Yes, I have become quite sarcastic because this game is tapping into all my weeknesses. I'm linear, Concrete sequential, "what are we doing today", make a list kind of person. Flying by the seat of my pants used to be let's eat out! Now it's turn off "free will" and let's see how much chaos I can cause! I MISS MY COMFORT ZONE!)

Research continues:
I know for a fact children communicate with each other about what they learn. I see my children talking about games and how they reached different levels, win battles, they play for each other (sister playing for sister, 3rd grade boy playing for a 5 th grade girls to help her). I SEE IT ALL THE TIME! They help each other. I know it is going on.
What have I learned this week about that exact issue: KIDS DO NOT REALIZE THEY HELP EACH OTHER. They see it as conversation. I tried to explain to my children that they help each other in all these different ways and that is why it was difficult for me to know what they knew in gaming. They see it as they just know. They are not conscious of how they learn. They believe they just figure things out.

This brings up an interesting point. When students try to study for a test, they are often frustrated. Why? They are used to just getting it. They have a difficult time understanding that there are different forms of learning.
How can educators adapt to that effortless means of just getting it?

Being a World Language teacher, the answer is immersion. If you are surrounded by it, much like a native american growing up in the US, you are surrounded by what you are learning. You don't realize that you are learning.

I had been asking myself a similar question: how do I get my students to learn without making them think they are learning. This year, I thought I found the answer: Use games and technology.
I have to say, it is March, I am exhausted, but I think its working. My students are learning vocabulary, gender, conjugations and are speaking more in the target language. They are not complaining. How can they, they are actually doing less work at home. I would be shocked if most of them studied. This is not to say, I don't preach studying. Boy do I. I tell them that studying would make them more comfortable and sure of themselves. They would not rely on their notes so much. Some listen, some don't. Nonetheless, they are successful.

I do realize that I have given myself more work. I have double the grading that I had. I have to create these games and oral activities be they paper, velcro, card games, fly swatters, sorting games, interactive dialogs, podcasts, presentations...... However, by grading them, the students give them more value. In reality, they are practicing all the skills I need them to.

End result:" All we do in French class is fun and games!" Guess what, you may be having fun and games, I'm working my butt off. News flash: That's ok, that's my job!

So, have I tapped into the the modern learner? I'd like to think I have. Now the question is, how do you apply this concept to all subjects. And, is this applicable at all grade levels?

I think the important lesson from gaming is that you do not need to design a video game to get to the modern learner. That is a simplistic approach to the entire issue. I believe teachers need to find ways to teach without teaching.

I have been told, over the years, "you have to entertain your students, like a TV". I disagree. Why, because there are two ways to watch TV: watching and reacting. I don't let my kids just watch, I engage them. I ask them questions about what they are watching: "why did he do that?", "how did you know he was going to do that?", "what is he/she going to do next?". These questions can apply to Telletubbies, Hannah Montana, or the OC. Chances are children will be able to answer the first two, but will continue to watch the shows to answer the 3rd.

My job as a teacher is to connect with my students. I need to speak their language, communicate in a way they will understand.

How do I know I'm successful? When my students think they have learned nothing, but use the skills I have taught them to:
- continue studying French
- continue studying any World Language and use the skills I've taught them to help them
- use grammatical or analytical skills to help them succeed in English
- use skills I've taught them through the games to help them succeed in other subjects

In other words, I will never get credit for what I do, but I am successful nonetheless.