Student Interest
How do you keep students interested in the subject.
Edward,
There is a balance that has to be maintained between content and illustrations, stories, etc.. Your point is a good one because it is easy to get off topic if you don't really stick and an outline of content to be covered.
Gary
I present technical information which can be dry. I like to use analogies and examples from real life to illustrate the topic. These can be enough off topic it can break the monotany but provide the student with another view of the topic. Be creative in the selection of the examples. Be prepared, occasionally one may backfire and confuse some of the class but you can work on that also.
These examples can occasionally go far from topic during the discussion which is occasionally ok as it provides a break. As the instructor it is your responsibility to recognize when the drift off topic has gone far enough and to bring the focus back to the topic at hand.
Agreed.
I feel that students can't just have lecture all the time.
I try to incorporate passing out devices that they can manipulate. Having their hands on items helps reinforce the lectured topic.
I also incorporate DVDs so that the class hears information from a different voice rather than me all the time.
I try and incorporate past experiences or examples to allow them to ponder on the topic and a chance to ask any questions.
I try to incorporate activities. Hands on learning really seems to keep them engaged.
