Taylor Swift, college frat boys and 21st century learning—this is one combination that I never dreamt of in my wildest dreams. However, the brothers of Beta Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Phi have convinced me that this trifecta is perfectly logical thanks to their epic lip sync cover of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”.
The video itself is an absolute riot to watch and I am confident that the brothers had a blast making it, but the frat house video that went viral is overflowing with evidence that the men of the Beta Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Phi are all well versed in the art of the 4-C’s, which you can read up on here thanks to the National Education Association.
Here is the rhyme and reason to my logic...
1.) Critical Thinking
Having lived in a fraternity house for four years, I know first-hand how difficult it is to schedule an event so that the majority of the membership can fit it between their other commitments. Whoever dared to consider even attempting to rally the guys together in order to make this video a reality is awfully confident and comfortable in the art of critical thinking.
2.) Communication
The entire premise of the lip sync video is an ode to Ms. Swift, or at least if you apply the age old saying about mimicry, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery". Simply voicing their praise for "Shake It Off" through a tribute, the Delt Sigs exhibit a rudimentary understanding of effective communication. However, their decision to post the video on YouTube elevates their grasp of communication skills into the neighborhood bordering on mastery.
The entire premise of the lip sync video is an ode to Ms. Swift, or at least if you apply the age old saying about mimicry, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery". Simply voicing their praise for "Shake It Off" through a tribute, the Delt Sigs exhibit a rudimentary understanding of effective communication. However, their decision to post the video on YouTube elevates their grasp of communication skills into the neighborhood bordering on mastery.
3.) Collaboration
There is not a single moment in the entire video where any number of the brothers are seen bickering with each other. The absence of any notable disagreements can serve to signify that the group as a whole is moderately well versed in collaborating, or working together as a team.
4.) Creativity
Lastly, who would have ever guessed that the men of Delta Sigma Phi would possess any desire whatsoever to produce a lip sync video to Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off"? Yea, that's what I thought! These guys are flat out creative!!
All in all, this epically awesome lip sync goes to show that education does not always have to take place in a formal environment such as a classroom. Rather, it's more important to engage with, or provide, the material, skills, and/or lessons, in a meaningful and memorable way. If this criteria is met, then the results may rank somewhat close, but still a ways away, from the overall awesomeness of this ode to Taylor Swift.
All in all, this epically awesome lip sync goes to show that education does not always have to take place in a formal environment such as a classroom. Rather, it's more important to engage with, or provide, the material, skills, and/or lessons, in a meaningful and memorable way. If this criteria is met, then the results may rank somewhat close, but still a ways away, from the overall awesomeness of this ode to Taylor Swift.
