This is difficult in my classroom because sometimes my classes are held at a golf course. Their focus can quickly go to other topics or that they simply want to play golf. Since my student population in my class is small, I am able to learn a lot about them quickly early on and use this to my benfit. Knowing my students allows me to keep the material interesting to all of them and to bring them back on task or topic.
Hi Lori:
Discussion, case studies, even work-related stories are all helpful to keep students interested and engaged.
Regards, Barry
Hi George:
Asking questions to NON-VOLUNTEERS in the class is a very effective way of getting students to pay attention.
Regards, Barry
I think breaking the student body into groups in which they have a chosen portion of the material to present discuss is a great idea. It gets the students talking and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they master their portion of the lesson. I also find that a lot of times, the information will sink in more when presented by a peer. Of course the instructor's job is to oversee these groups to ensure that what is being presented is correct.
Hi Latasha:
These are great examples. Sometimes just a brief activity, or change in the room such as strolling through the rows, or asking a question FIRST, then choose someone to answer it. That way, students begin to notice when you ask a question, their name may be called.
Regards, Barry
I feel a good way to reengage an off-task student is by making groups in the class that requires each student in the group to do a task so that they all are in involved in an educational activity as well as learning to work well with their fellow classmates.
I find that when students become off task it is either because they are bored or the material is overwhelming for them.
It is at those times that I stop and try to engage the class more than usual. This is difficult at times becasue of the subject matter and the way that it must be presented.
I find the best way to reengage off-task students is to change the way I'm presenting the material. If I'm seated, I'll start walking around. If I'm reading from material, I'll start presenting examples or real world situations. If I'm far from the disruptive student, I'll get closer to them and make eye contact. These are just a few methods.
Giving them a topic that will draw them in. Have open discussion. Pop quiz to see if they have retained the information.
Hi Jesse:
Great - this is a very effective method to keep students focused, paying attention, and making the class interesting. If it's fun or enjoyable, students will happliy join in!
Regards, Barry
I try to keep students engaged or reengaged by using several different teaching methods during the class period.This way the students have to keep changing their thinking focus and stay alert. You cant get to far afield with this method or they just get confused, but several changes of pace during a class period keeps the concentration factor high.
Jesse Walker
Hi Ashley:
Good - and keeping students interested enough to get the needed information will always be our challenge as teachers. But I know we're all up for it.
Regards, Barry
Hi Becka:
Live action and stories or work-related situations help keep interest and attention of students. These are good techniques you use.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mark:
Good point. I think there are many reasons why students get off track, some may even be legitimate. Nonetheless, our mission is to keep class interesting and relevant so students will no choice but to (voulntarily) become engaged.
Regards, Barry
Right, I agree. Afterall this is why they came back to school in the first place.
Hi Stephanie:
Demonstration, lab, touch, movement - these tactile experiences can contribute so much, as you say, to the retention and application of of a learning segment. More time for these activities is nearly always beneficial.
Regards, Barry
The hands-on examples demonstrate the reality of the lesson to the students. It gives them that feeling of, "Oh, yes. This is why I should learn this skill, etc." When that feeling of reality hits, it is like a light bulb goes off and the students return and get back on track.
Hi Barbara:
Useful technique. Sometimes, the disengaged are just zoned out, seemingly there, but not where you are in the lesson. This situation calls for "active learning strategies", where all students are expecting they will called on or are involved in a physical-type activity related to the lesson. Many approaches, probably all are good if they result in good student learning outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Hi Nisa:
Giving reponsibility to a student can potentially keep them engaged and is an excellent technique. Taking responsibilty requires more focused, attentive involvement.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mitchell:
Wow, stories are wonderful! In ancient times, this is how information was passed down through the generations. Almost everyone can relate to a good story.
Regards, Barry
