Mainly I find that keeping the course content in a relevant context works wonders for comprehension and enthusiasm. Once that conection is made, the engagement is automatic per each topic.
Information without practical usage or relevency outside of trivia is, as best as I can put it, trivial. This encompasses things like idle facts or things that fall far beyond the scope of the course.
They choose the group discussions and group activities because it gives them different ideas of how different people learn the lesson.
Hi Barbara,
What is the most common choice made by your students? I think this is an interesting concept to explore in developing a teaching style.
Gary
I give my students the option of how they would have their lessons taught to them....i leave the room for a few minutes and let them decide among themselves which method would be the most effective for them.
student's vary in their attention spans and retention.It is always good to throw in an occassional experience that they will have ,and that you have already had.Give them an example of what they're being taught as it relates to the experience.
Keeping students engaged is difficult because I often teach night classes. So after a full day of work, then it is difficult for a student to stay focused. I begin each evening with some activity that involves the student moving around the classroom. Pop culture and current event discussions relating to the textbook material assists students engaged in the material.
Hi Aprilyn,
These different methods of reinforcing content are a good way to keep the students engaged. Math is a challenge for many students as you know so by having them work in the class on problems you can help them get the procedures and steps down in their minds for future use.
Gary
After my lecture, I usually have my students work on math problems or their workbook. They can either work independently or in groups. Also, if I give them math assignment, I have students go to the board and solve it out. By having them work on their own, they get to have break from lecturing and they get to interact with each other.
Hi Sherry,
These activities are critical in maintaining student engagement. Good way to help the students see how their careers can be developed.
Gary
Strategies for keeping students engaged in learning include field trips, visual material, hands on activities, class discussions about topic.
Hi Earnest,
I agree with your approach. Students like variety in delivery and it helps to keep them engaged throughout the course sequence.
Gary
I like to vary the routine from day-to-day. One day I might lecture. Another day I may have the students do presentations for the class or I might have a guest speaker.
I think the variance keeps the students interested and promotes learning.
Earnest J. Kendall,MSN, RN-BC
Asking for their ideas. Small group activities to demonstrate concept learning throughout the lecture period. Mini-group presentations of skills just learned. Challenge the instructor with questions from earlier classes.
Because my classrooms are online, I use opinion polls and ice breaker exercises to keep my students engaged. I also inject stimulation questions throughout lecture time and ask the students to respond to me via email. The volume of responses allow me to gauge my students attentiveness through participation.
Hi Heather,
Good strategies for getting students involved. They do need to be made to feel they are a part of the class. They need to feel accepted and comfortable with you, the course and their fellow students. Once these items are in place the learning process can move forward for everyone.
Gary
Making sure to ask them questions. Get everyone involved. I think it's important to keep their minds going. They should feel like they are a part of what they are learning. Not only learning it, but experiencing it.
While I don't completely agree with your first statement, I understand the generalization. The point that I wanted to affirm you on is your bullet point 3... 'technology classrooms" There are more and more universities putting substantial investments in 'smart classrooms' I just spent this last year on a committee at my ground university in which we were asked to spend 1 million dollars over 4 years on high-tech classrooms. We need to embrace these technologies to create an even more engaging educational experience for our students.
Hi Dana,
I use role playing and case studies in my classes a lot. My students really like to work through them in groups and then compare what they come up with. I know you are going to like the results you get with the mini-lectures because they will keep the students engaged throughout the class.
Gary
Role playing and realistic scenerios are my favorite for keeping students engaged and focused. I love the idea of mini-lectures, that is a great idea to lecture for 15 mins and then have a corresponding activity that will enable them to visualize and absorb the content before going on to the next part of your lecture.
DEMONSTRATIONS, GUEST SPEAKERS AND ROLE PLAY FOR MY STUDENTS. I ALLOW THEM TO ACT AS PATIENTS INQUIRING ABOUT BILLS RECEIVED FROM THE DR'S OFFICE. (I TEACH MEDICAL BILLING AND CODING)
