Off-task students can be at the very least frustrating and distracting to the other students. I open my academic toolbox and see what alternatives I have. Options that I choose from are trying to refocus on the application and relevence of the topic i.e., why we are studying this topic and how it relates to the profession, reflection on what we have accomplished to date in the class, alternating styles to accomodate different students learning style(s), solicite anonymous feedback from the class, and if it is a specific student, have a face-to-face meeting to see if there are external factors affecting the students education.
In the evening class the students tend to get off task because they are either tired or hungry. I will usually change up the classwork to group activities and have them perform hands on procedure to engage them. If lectures are conducted for too long, they tend to drift off or become sleepy after a hard long day.
Lima,
These are great ideas. The thing is to keep interest, and activities related to the topic or lesson. I've found if students recognize there is something in the activity for them they'll be more focused and attentive. Sometimes, we have to point out how the activity will pertain to their work setting, and that also helps students keep focused.
Barry Westling
To get off-task students reengaged in the class, instructors need to change their instructional method. One example is to divide the class into competing groups and provide students with a use case problem to solve. With each group to select a spoke person to present their solution to the whole class. Another example is to give the class a psycho-motor type of activity, -- the content allows it -- where they can use both their cognitive and physical skills. One last option would be to distribute some 3x5 cards to the students and ask them to write down the problems they are having in learning the materials and skills. Make their responses anonymous so they can feel free to express themselves without any fear to be judged.
Brenda,
I think students tend to stay focuded when they feel there is some benefit to them personally, so the more we can bring real-world cases, scenarios, experiences, situations, or examples where the student can imagine themselves "in the moment", that'll help keeping student interest.
Barry Westling
Again, find the reason why.
There could be many different reasons why a student is off task and making a presumption about why is not helpful.
1) Be honest when assessing how you present material
If you were a student, would you be engaged? All new instructors should videotape themselves teaching. Lots of OMG moments!!!!And therefore, opportunities to improve.
2) Take the concept and make it relatable to the student. If you are teaching signs and symptoms of dehydration, apply it to Katniss in The Hunger Games. If Katniss is fluid challenged, how would she appear if she was brought into your Emerg Dept.?
3) Never underestimate the power of personal concern. Talk to students and ask how the two of you together can help address the issue at hand.
Amanda,
This is a very brave action to take, and I think students probably appreciate that you're willing to take comments from them, and even more importantly, implemment or modify your delivery to accomodate their request.
Barry Westling
It has been my experience that an off-task student is typically a bored student. In this case I would try and change the class up a little bit by moving onto the next topic, changing the delivery method, or asking the entire class how they feel the lesson is going and what they would recommend to make it more fun or enjoyable. I ask my class how they feel about the delivery method and my teaching style on a regular basis so this would not be anything new for them. At the end of the day the material being covered doesn't change, but the delivery method can.
Brendon,
Questioning is nearly always a quick and effective method to at least get students attention. I don't let students get away with "I don't know". My students soon learn that is the wrong response unless they want to come up to the board and outline what's been said in the last 5-minutes. They may not know an answer but they are responsible to listen. Over time, listening (and thinking) become required traits students must possess.
Barry Westling
One of the things I do when students seem to be losing focus is begin asking questions. I may not start with the student whose attention is wandering, but I will definitely call on them once or twice. It is also a good way to sum up what has been going on to that point, as well as begin to focus them on why this information is important.
Joan,
This is good. Sometimes, it's worthwhile to address the need at the moment it occurs. Circulating around the room, asking specific students questions, or changing to pair share, small group discussion, or doing board work (student coming to white board for some exercise) are among the simple, easy to implement measures that can break the diengagement and reestablish focus.
Barry Westling
When I notice a particular student is not engaged, I will plan an activity where I am allowed to speak to the student about what is going on for them, and then tailor their particular learning needs based upon their responses.
Wesley,
Yes, doing an activity such as board exercises is a good break fromn lecture. ometimes I'll have students come to the board to work problems. Of course not every class or lesson affords this opportunity, but with a little thoght, there is nearly always several alternative activities related to the topic that can be done.
Barry Westling
As an instructor it is important to make sure classes are engaged for the time they are being taught. To reengage an off task student an instructor might switch from lecturing to hands on particapting learning exercises. For my classes, I know when students are getting tired with lecture I will put problems on the board for them to work out. Usually, this solves the problem of engagement in the class.
Chukwuka,
Great strategy! Getting and keeping students focused and fully engaged the whole period takes a conscientious and sustained effort. Left to to their own, students will drift and we need to specific activities and actions to get and keep them attuned.
Barry Westling
I do split up students into small groups during our class meetings to discuss and present case studies. The off-task students are made to take the lead in their small groups and do the presentation. This tends to get them engaged again.
James,
This sounds like one great way to keep students focused. I always keep in mind, "why would (or should) students be interested in what I have to talk about?". If it's interesting to them, they'll pay attention.
Barry Westling
From time to time students loses focus. I will get students reengaged by circulating the classroom. I may stand next to the student or ask a question or involve the student in an example. Breaking class into smaller groups with a specific task also helps keep students engaged.
Mitchel,
The "courtesy of one's attention" is a social skill that seems to have vanished from some students mindset. Keeping students focused means keeping their attention with interesting material, and engaging them with questions to check for understanding. If this is the norm, they will learn they have to pay attention while in class. Rude is rude and students need to be called on it (outside of class).
Barry Westling
When their behaviors are rude to me and the rest of the class, I confront them and get them back on task.
