Instructional techniques for long night classes
Dr. Meers,
I am a new instructor teaching a 4 hour evening class. It is often difficult for me to keep the entire class engaged for the entire class period. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Laura
Thank-you for your great ideas, I teach a long night class and it can be hard
brittney
I used an online poll as a review tool. Chapter review questions become polls and students "vote" for the right answer" by sending a text message.
This activity helped keep the students engaged.
I'm not sure how many times I can use this technique before it becomes "old".
Hi Timothy,
I wish you the very best as you teach your first night class. Your comments demonstrate your understanding of the challenges you will be facing and how you are going to meet those challenges. I look forward to hearing how the class goes.
Gary
I am going to start teaching my first night class (6pm-10pm) next week so I find this topic and the replies very helpful. I believe that night students are very motivated, but let's face it, we all get tired after working all day and then going to school at night. To me it is important to keep the students involved by asking them questions and ensuring thier participation at all times (as much as possible)
Thank for your great tips.
Hi Bob,
You are doing all of the right things in terms of keeping the class moving and the students engaged. I know how you feel in terms of being worn out at the end of the class. It takes a lot of energy to keep the momentum up for the duration. I really enjoy my classes and students even when it is at night. They come in ready to learn since they are giving up an evening to advance their learning even though they have worked all day.
Gary
Hello Dr. Meers,
I too am a new instructor teaching 4hr night classes. I've noticed moving around the room keeps the students focused and awake. I keep my lectures to 20 minutes maximum as well and I make liberal use of the smart board and the projector. As for breaks, I tend to keep them consistent as this better reflects what the students will encounter in the workplace in the field I teach. So far it seems to be working. I need the breaks as much as they do after working all day prior.
Bob
Hi Laura,
I teach from 4 until 10pm so I understand where you are coming from because I have the same challenge each time I meet the class.
Variety is the key. I start the class with an overview of the evening, the objectives and the outcomes. During this time I also chat about upcoming deadlines and events. I use the word chat because this is an informal time. In fact I do this while leaning on the front of the desk. When I start the class I stand up straight and this is a signal we are in session.
I rotate the activities of the class throughout the evening. I may lecture for 15-20 minutes, then have a discussion time, group activity, case study, etc. I try to make sure that I don't go more than 20 minutes before I offer my students a change of pace. This really helps to keep them engaged. I also move them around the room physically to get them moving and the blood flowing. (I offer them breaks at different time throughout the evening as well).
I use guest speakers, as well as a wide variety of media to keep them forward focused. The key is excitement on your part, variety in your instruction and rapport with your students. With these three you will be able to offer well planned, comprehensive instruction the evening will go quickly for both your students and yourself.
Gary
