Electronic Student
Now a days, students have a hard time going 5 minutes without looking at thier life on the phone. Modern delivery is needed these days as well as breaks that allow them to deal with whatever needs attention and bring them back to cover more material, until it is time to repeat the process
Tina,
Our lexicon of contemporary speech and slang is always changing somewhat. And what's interesting, that goes both ways. As I use terms that were from an older generation, students are introduced to terminology, expressions, references, and verbal communication that will potentially reach a wider variety of individuals likely to be encountered in the work setting.
Barry Westling
I like the idea of keeping up with technology, including the lingo being used. Without knowing it I had been keeping up with terminology by listening to my children or occasionally just talking with the students about what is current. It does provide the occasional laugh and it keeps me informed at the same time.
Jacquelyn ,
Sounds lijke a good idea. EWlectronic media can be a real asset if channeled in an appropriate manner.
Barry Westling
I also encourage my students to use other sources to access material relative to our course discussion. If they are allowed to periodically utilize electronic media it relaxes their desire to do it at inappropriate times during class, either to disrupt discussion by walking out or attempting to sneak and use during lecture
Larisa,
Your question should be directed by your institution. However, regardless of approved break periods, whenever students begin to drift off, either some change in delivery or classroom activity is needed, or taking a short 5-minute "regroping" break is helpful. I know instructors who in a 4-hours class may take two 10-minute and two 5-minute breaks. My experience has been one long break is less effective than shorter but more frequent breaks.
Barry Westling
Speaking of breaks for students to check their cell phones, how many breaks / how long of breaks do you implement for each hour or more of instruction?
Darlene,
In my classes, cell phones must be off or silenced. They would get docked professional development points if they step outside to make or answer a call. And there not allowed on the student's person during testing.
Barry Westling
you simply cannot allow cell phone use in the classroom. In a lengthy class period, give them a break and they can use the phone then.
Cell phone use is ruining students' focus.
Nathan,
You're right, this pose a challenge. What I've found is if students trust and respect their instructor, they be obedient to directives to pay attention. Sometimes we have students who just don't care, and that can lead to classroom management issues. I maintain students come to me to learn, not paying attention is not an option.
Barry Westling
This can be even more difficult when you are teaching a class where the students are sitting at a computer with internet access. It's a great tool when they can look things up, but a great distraction as well.
As an Instructor you need to work to keep the class focused and moving forward.
Crystal,
Good point. If we can get learners to associate something they already know with new information, they may be better able to retain, use, and apply needed information in a course.
Barry Westling
I find that if I can tie an event to something a celeb or famous person has done they instantly become interested. I teach a major that is female heavy and I find that my students are always checking those celeb blogs, twitter and magazine websites before class and on their breaks. I make it a point to check them every day as well and then when we discuss some legal topics I can tie it them and they always remember those topic better then others.
David,
Great! Relating to the contemporary student (of any age) is key to conveying we are competent in our area of expertise.
Barry Westling
One thing I try to do is keep up with current technology and lingo. This gives me the ability to use language that my students use making it easier to keep them laughing and learning.
Richard,
Yes, it is a challenge to keep current with the tech-savvy student. Bridging the gap (if one exists) requires instructors to come to the level where their students are while at the same time bring students up to where their instructor is at, knowledge and skill wise. A simple way to get ideas is ner the end of a course, survey the students to ask, "how better could XYZ have taught, or what over ways?".
Barry Westling
