Attention spans
To me one of the most important parts of classroom management involves the instructor paying attention to the students and realizing when a lecture, lab, handout or something similiar is ineffective. Keeping adult students attention is the most important part of efectively teaching in my opinion.
Mary,
I think most adult learners are just taller children. I have them play games, we do competitions, and I even reward them with treats and as a result I have engaged learners having fun while learning a large amount of content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Keeping the attention span of an adult is probably just as bad as keeping the attention span of a child. In my experiences I find that I tend to bored very easily, therefore I know how the students feel. I generally use a variety of learning techniques in order to hold their attention on the subject matter of the class.This usually works for me, but understand that I am a new instructor willing to try all means necessary to help the student learn and be successful in the class. Most students really get into the business of learning when they can get into the hands on demonstrations. If they make a mistake, I tell them to try again, if the mistakes are continuous, then I evaluate my lecture techniques to see if the topic or procedure was well discussed or demonstrated.
Jaye,
This is a good way to keep students engaged plus they get to reinforce what they have learned by not only learning it but also teaching it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also like to have students who know a skill to teach that skill to keep their attention and to change the vocals in the room.
Lance,
Thank you for sharing your professional development experience with us. I know these comments will help beginning instructors to see how their own expertise will develop and their knowledge base expand.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree. When I first started with no background in teaching and just the experience in my job, I went with teach them everything now so I don't need to deal with them again and can do my work. Now with working as an Instructor for a few years I try to break things up to keep their attention on the project.
I agree, if the whole class is falling asleep its probably me and I need to change things up.
What if you throw in some hands on activities every once in a while to mix up the lecture. For exmple if you are explaining human anatomy, you can have the student point out to that specific body part. Make a game of it, and maybe reward them it would be healthy competion.
Scott,
This is a great strategy to follow. Learners as you know like change of pace and variety in their learning. You are providing both with your approach.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not all subjects are very exciting,but they usually are important. Keeping your class engaged in learning is a constant challange we all face. A method I use that has helped keep my class focused is to change up the method of instruction evry half hour or so. I will usuall start will a outline of the block of instruction then lecture for a period of time. Next a video to demonstrate and apply the lecture amterial. Next have the students demonstrate and discuss the material. Then repeat the process.
Mikel,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I know where you are coming from in terms of keeping their attention.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes especially in the evening after they've all had long work days.
