I try to limit "off task" discussions. If they don't pertain to the class at all, I stop them right away. If they do pertain to the class, I limit them to a short time. As we all know, class time is always too valuable to spend on things that will not be profitable to the discussion at hand.
I try to use several different methods by keeping students excited about what we are doing. I use lots of hands-on examples because these things bring a certain realism to the classroom. We discuss their ideas about what they intend to do upon graduation, and to help form their ideas about post-graduation work, I allow past students to visit the class and speak for 15 minutes or so about their experiences "in the real world". Often the current class recognizes these folks, and it brings a ring of truth to what I've been telling them about their careers. I also have people from actual outside companies visit and demonstrate the skill sets students are trying to learn. Excitement makes students stay-or return-to the class at hand.....they don't want to miss something!
I try and avoid this at all cost. I always try and keep every single student engaged in the discussion. I have found that if they are anticipating their name being called or any questions that might arise during the lecture, they tend to stay focused. Also, my use of humor in the classroom often keeps students from getting off-task which is always a great compliment to any professor.
Hi Lori:
Sometimes repitition is good, but if the well is dry there's little point in keep pumping. I don't allow students to not participate. At some point, the students and teachers have to have an understanding about class expectations. I think a lot has to do with the type of class, the time of day (or night), the topic, and the resources available and those being used by the teacher. All can be factors.
Regards, Barry
Hi Brenda:
Good technique. One test of engagement (and also a goal) is if the students are actively involved, interested, and able to apply their learning. I think good teachers are able to make most any topic interesting (agreed that some students will be harder to reach than others).
Regards, Barry
Providing students with an alternative activity with meets the same outcomes. When practicing math problems on the board and they get "bored", allow them to work in pairs or groups of three and teach each other instead.
Call on them again and again and again until they get it.
Put them in a group with an engaged student. Sometimes students are able to learn more from their peers than from an instructor. Since I teach Computer Application classes there are several ways in Microsoft Office to get to the same end. A group may come up with a better way that makes more sense to the student.
Some ways instructors can get off-students reengaged in the class are the following:
- create a small group discussion
- prepare a back up plan to serve as an option to redirect student attention
- use student presentation as one of the class activities and appoint the off-task student to be the leader or facilitator
- use alternative activitiy such as using hands-on activity instead of lecture or vice versa if the other method does not retain student engagement
I found th jeopardy method a great way. I use this in my classroom all the time. This gives students to hear the material agin and discuss it among each other and gets them re engaged in the material.
i try to bring in real life experiences to help students relate to the material and give them anouther prespective on the material.
Group work seems to help when students' interest level wanders. Active learning helps students focus on the topic as well as share ideas develop oneness in the classroom. I also walk around the classroom and thank students by name when they ask questions and/or participate in any way.
Different students with different learning styles may become off-track depending on your delivery method. This topic reflects some of the different methods I use to cover class material.
When students seem to be drifting or becoming disengaged-I switch methods. I take care not to "call out" the student individually. I do not want to put students on the spot. If I have been using PowerPoint-I have extra handouts and have the students work individually or in teams to reinforce the topic. I get them involved. If I have had them working on an in class assignment handout and the students go off track-I try to have them discuss the points of the handouts to the class.
If I feel that I am losing attention I will talk about an experience that I have had in the field that pertains to subject we are on then ask students if they have had any experiences similar. It loosens then up to each other, lets them relax a bit then we can go on with the planned task but it lets them know we can interupt that task and still get back to it in a timely manner.
In most of my classrooms, if not all, I have computers which makes it difficult for students to engage themselves in classroom activities because they can spend time on the Internet. I do remove points from class participation when this occurs.
I ask questions that require the students to respond. This also invites the class to bring up topics that are related to the classes main discussion to be discussed. I find that these open subject related topics keep a steady flow of interest and opens opportunities for me to slide in more information that is related to class materials.
Of course there are students that just do not desire to discuss anything or participate with their classmates. I have several of the mannerism but their Quiz and Test scores for the most part are above or slightly below and nowhere near failing. I can not think of anything other than asking these few to tell the class of their career goals, experience and future plans. After the reply, there is total slience. I can only wonder if I have reacted these student too. Are there any other suggestions?
If i am lecturing and see that some students are getting off-task, I will then bring something hands on to my lecture that all students can apply and better understand the material. This helps these students who get off-task back on course with what i am lecturing about and it makes things a little more exciting in class.
I have found that to bring off-task students back on task is to do some type of activity with them. I have split the class up and done a "game", with the winner getting something "special." I have found that this not only makes the learning fun but also reengages the students back to the learning process.
I have successfully reengaged distracted students by taking a brief break. I take thoses moments to review where I am and even to talk with students about what they already know and do not need to review. This makes my students feel they are participating in the decision making involved in learning in my classroom.
Changing the rhythm of the presentation by introducing excercises , projects or competitive games related to the topic are helpful in stirring up stagnant blood in the classroom.
Whatever the prengaged student is doing-relate the topic to their interest whether it is sports, music, everyday life
