Adult learning and attention span
I have definitely seen the necessity to tailor teaching to the adult. Attention span and learning mode are both incredibly important. Not only does a teach need to assess and vary the methodology of teaching, whether it is auditory, visual, or hands-on, but also needs to ensure that the length of the content is not over 15-18 minutes. Lastly, covering the appropriate number of topics, 5-7, is also important to ensure we aren't overloading students and setting them up for failure.
Katherine,
This is a a good strategy to employ. It reinforces what has been taught and gives you a check of understanding from your students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like to start the class out on a check on learning from the last class. So I will just ask a few questions before the lecture. Sometimes during the lecture I will use a student to "help" with the subject...if it's matn they come up and do a problem, if it's a skill they may have to show me how to perform it and then the others get to say "yes or no". Keeps them all on their toes until we get the break time. I have found there have been a few moments where they don't want the break (I do !)
Peter,
Good strategy to use in classes like this.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
For some courses - like Intro to Computers or other courses containing an applicative part along with lecture - it is easier: alternate.
I found that for the practical/applicative part the attention span is also limited, maybe a bit longer than for lecture.
Richard,
Sounds like my students as well. I do know age has nothing to do with whether they are adults or not.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
All of my students are "adults". Some more-so than others :)
Anthony,
I have the same situation in my classes and I find that changing the flow or pace of the class helps my students "reset" their brains throughout the duration of the class. You are doing that with your methods as well. Anything that lets the students focus on what has just been covered and then respond to it gets their attention span set for some new content. You have a good plan in place to do just that.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
While I agree with the attention span, and I still have, say a 50-minute presentation to lecture on, I will use my 'transition' from one main point to another to ask a question, or ask someone to relate that point to an experience to keep the learner engaged. Similar to a guided discussion.
I have learned, through my experience, that an instructor trained on varying teaching methodologies, is better able to keep the adult learner engaged. Once all aspects of learning are incorporated in the classroom, learning rarely becomes a chore or boring. It becomes an interactive classroom where the adult learner stays actively engaged and focused on course content.
Eric,
Good way to lay out a teaching strategy for your students. This way you are keeping them engaged and focused on the essential concepts of the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
