Some stategies for keeping students engaged in learning would include providing a demonstration from your professional career which will engage the students attention and refocus their attention and interest. Another strategy for keeping students engaged in learning would be to bring in a guest speaker to talk to your class about the material that is being covered or to plan and participate in a demonstration or activity where the students can gain a different perspective on the material.
Carole,
I am a big fan of role playing and case studies to get students moving about and talking with each other. Thank you for sharing your success with role playing as it helps to keep the students engaged and on topic while they are able to make application of the content that has just been covered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I vary the structure of my lesson day by day, but include interactive learning at some point each day.I very frequently implement role playing exercises with critical thinking problems so the students must consider problems and work together to act out specific scenarios. This gets them out of their seats and also helps draw out some of my shy students.
Tijuonia,
This is a balanced approach to instruction. You are giving a variety of learning options to your students and they can then work in their preferred preference and stay engaged for the duration of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to let my students engage in every activity that we do for that day and I find this very rewarding for myself and them
Yesenia,
Good plan. I teach a 6 hour course from 4 until 10 pm so I can relate to your challenge. You are offering variety, change of pace and application for your students so they can stay engaged for the duration of the class session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jessica,
Good strategy. You are using variety, application and different learning formats to keep your students focused on the learning that needs to occur.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In order to keep students engaged during my 4-hour classes, I incorporate short lectures, handouts, hands-on activities, discussions, role play, and journaling/reflection. Since my classes are smaller, each student has the opportunity to participate and/or present. I also have students provide real-life examples pertaining to my lecture so all students can stay engaged and have a better understanding of the topic.
Useful strategies that I have used in my class to keep my students motivated and intrigued is group discussion during my lecture. I then give the class an assignment pertaining to the lecture. I like to keep things lively so 30 minutes later I give a hands on assignment, this may include charting or tray set ups since this is a dental coarse I am teaching. My students enjoy the diversity and the hands on skill building.
Joseph,
Learners like change of pace and variety so we need to incorporate both in your instructional delivery. You are doing such with your teaching and as a result I am sure you are seeing enhanced learning by your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Keeping the student engaged is always a challenge. Walking around instead of standing still helps.Intermixing different types of lecture. Also,I find that if you can relate your lecture to life situations of the student keeps them interested as well.
China,
I am a big fan of such a format. I think using student learning groups to work on projects and have some fun playing games that reinforce the content really increases the retention of the information and application of new competencies.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Christopher,
You have a good balance to your course structure. Learners like variety and change of pace and you are doing all of this with your format.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tasheema,
I agree because I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I have 6 hours to keep students engaged after they have worked all day. So I use a lot of different activities as I know you do to keep them focused for the duration of longer classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Have student pair up into groups and do an activity together. Play jeoprady or any game with the couse material you are on!
Our class is four hours and generally refer to class as a case study approach, however it is usually a hybrid of lecture, problem solving, screening films, analysis, and summary. The trick is to keep moving and to engage the student constantly with direct involvement at each phase.
I teach five and for hour classes. I often let students interject real life scenearios through out the lecture. I find that the students stay engaged when you look to them to help out with information. Students love to be apart of the show.
Jessica,
Yes, they do because you are showing them value of the content through the application process. This also increases their understanding of the relevancy of information and how it is helping them move toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bianca,
Good observation and good tip. Thanks for sharing it with us. We instructors need to "read" our students so we can respond with the appropriate support and interaction that will get every student in the class involved.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gordon,
Good strategy to follow as learners like variety and change of pace in their instructional delivery. You are doing such with your method and this will keep your students engaged at a much higher level.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
