engaging students to paarticipate
Im A new intructor and would like some ideas to engage my student when is lecture time?
I agree that I can be the greatest lecturer on earth but if my listeners are not getting any understanding of what I am presenting to them then all the talking could be in vain. So I agree to check with the students at intervals to find out if the students have any questions thus far. Also, I would remember to add examples or demonstrations to hopefully paint a picture in their heads.
Some times my lectures includes a group discussion, sometimes I present them with a film related to the topic being discuss and some time I lectures with a game setting. I do various methods to get my point across about the lecture that is being taught. They read my body language, my eyes, they listen to the tone of my voice in making the lecture intresting. When I see them sit up and listen with a smile on their face, I know I have their interest at that point. Next I go for the question and answer method. For me at this point they are very much involved in the lecture and the way it is being taught that day.
Hi Germany,
Glad you have had such good experiences with your use of problem solving instruction. I have used this method for years with great results. It really gets students involved in the learning process.
Gary
I'm a first year instructor as well, and for me it seems to be more appealing to students by using a more problem-based approach to learning. Most students that I have taught seem to be more engaged, and they also seem to provide a great deal more feedback in class. Many of the students mention that they often times discuss the topics from class with their families at home to get their insights and thoughts on the lessons presented.
The best way is to always try to have interactive and tactical lessons. Just talking and talking is not going to accomplish a lot. Have your students interact in the conversation, have them do manual activities, have them work in teams or discuss topics among them as well.
Hi Dwayne,
Good point. Questioning helps one learn and learn more effectively because the answers become clear as a result of the discussion related to the questions. Thanks for bringing the point up.
Gary
I absolutly agree with you. According to my experience it motivates the students and make them to feel comfortable in asking questions during the development of the class
Questions, questions, and more questions! The questions should be very specific and stimulate analytical and critical thinking. Embed short readings, jigsaw readings, and have a group question within the lecture. Stimulate debate. Also, PowerPoint works really well if done correctly. All of these have worked for me and I love telling stories - that seems to keep interest too!
I agree with what Gary & Brianne stated, and just to add to that: it can be easy to get "caught in a rut" and not take the time or make the effort to ensure the students have been reached. By that, I mean as instructors, we already know the subject material, and if we simply do what we percieve to be a "good job explaining it', that isn't enough. We take steps to draw out the students and really see that they have grasped the concepts and can use them.
I find it helpful to stop every so often during lecture and ask questions about the material you just went over. If you get a lot of blank stares you may want to go over it again becuase they have not retained the information. I would rather have my students have a clear understanding of the material before adding more information. They will appreciate that as well.
Hi Gerardo,
Develop a lecture that runs 15-20 minutes in length. Support your lecture with PowerPoint slides, guided notes and examples. When that lecture segment is complete then have an application session where you discuss what has been covered, answer student questions, do small group problem solving or some other activity of this type. Then you can go to another lecture segment and repeat the activity phase. The rotation of this method will keep the students from getting bored and you will be able to keep them engaged in the learning process.
Gary
