"Entertaining" vs. "Engaging" Students

I stumbled across this blog this morning that discusses the difference between "entertaining" and "engaging" students. Doug Johnson, a school tech guy from MN, makes these distinctions:

Entertainment's primary purpose is to create an enjoyable experience; engagement's primary purpose is to focus attention so learning occurs.

Entertainment is ephemeral, often frivolous; engagement creates long-lasting results and deals with important issues.

Entertainment needs have little relevance to the the reader/watcher/listener; engagement experiences most often relate directly to the learner.

Entertainment is an escape from problems; engagement involves solving problems.

Entertainment results through the creativity of others; engagement asks for creativity on the part of the learner.

Perhaps the greatest distinction is that entertainment is often passive, whereas engagment is active or interactive.

While the post is directed toward teens and middle or high school teachers, I think we can learn a thing or two when trying to capture and maintain the attention of our students. This is something that Scooby laments about regularly. Though I try hard to be 'fun' in the classroom, sometimes I even agree with him that we're not hired to be a dog and pony show.