Shocking statement!
many times when I start to lose my group, i say a few shocking statements, something outrageous, but related to the topic.
It could be something simple as...admitting what I did wrong
In banquets, I started my class by talking about thet first time I did everything wrong..by the book, and I notice I immediately get their attention.
I like to present a case study in our field where things went horribly wrong. THis gets their attention, and they are more interested in learning the topic to not repeat the mistake. This is especially true when it comes to medical math. A lot of students understand how importanct math is especially when teaching it in a pharmacology class. This case study shows them the importance of the material.
I agree completely with Chef Adasme. It helps to get the groups attention and level of comfort where I like it to be. When they know that you are sharing with them the mistakes you've made they really focus so that they can avoid making them also. I also like to mix in real industry stories and experiences at various times to help them stay focused because they never know when something crazy will come their way and it makes it a fun way to learn.
A super way to drive home a very important point. I have a poem that I give to my students a very simple reminder of the importance of good dental oral hygine. Brush and floss the teeth you want to to keep and over time the unbrush and floss teeth will watch you sleep. After losing your teeth to periodontal diease, repalcing them with a partial of full denture, taking them out at night to rest your gum tissue in a glass next to your bed they are watching you sleep the night away. Moral of story, all teeth should be brushed and floss throughly each day.
Charlotte,
this is a great way to start the lecture/class as it can really help open their minds to learning.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I like to start off my lectures with an interesting case study - something to get them excited about what they might encounter out in the field. It gets them engaged and prompts them to ask questions. I want them to go home and have something to say when someone asks them "what did you learn today?" I also ak them if they've seen anything interesting and want to share with the class.
This works very well with students!! I also like to open my class up with something called " In the News" all students are asked to report pn something in the news regardingf our class ...IE business that was weird or funny. I am still surprised by what they report on.
Esperanza,
I've seen this method used as well, or even an intriguing story can be used.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Doing something unexpected is a good attention getter. I have used this techniques at times when the class have broken into smaller discussion groups and I need them to focus on the continuation of the lecture. I either make a funny statement or a joke, but I omit the punch line. When I have their attention, I tell them that I'll continue with the rest of the joke at the end of class =)
I believe this is a good idea. The element of surprise is a great way of grabbing someones attention.
