getting students out of their comfort zone
I've found that a good way to get my students to engage in the class is to keep them guessing what I'll do next. Sometimes I'll walk up and down the rows or call on a student seemingly at random.
I may assign a surprise in-class project, tell a story or a joke, or act out a scenario.
The most common technique I use is the discussion model; rather than lecture I start a discussion to get the class involved. This method does make it difficult to stay on subject at times, but I've found that the student involvement that discussions generate more than makes up for this.
Hi Lisa,
I am sure that this approach does get the students talking and contributing to the problem solving exercise. This also shows them that they need to work together to be successful in their careers.
Gary
I GET THE STUDENTS TO GET ON THE BOARD AND SOLVE PROBLEMS IN FRONT OF THE WHOLE CLASS AND THEY HAVE TO PICK SOMEONE IN CLASS TO HELP THEM WITH IT THEY ALL TAKE TURNS AND IT SEEM TO BREAK THEM OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONES
I've found that striking up group conversations about something in the news or school activities does effectively get students out of their comfort. I will often time creatively transition the conversation to objective for the day.
Hi Brian,
This is a good way to keep students engaged plus as you say they know how you will react to different situations and delivery methods.
Gary
I like the idea that some times I am the fun and jovial teacher and others I am more serious with the deeper information. This keeps the students from developing an expectation where if they have a specific approach, they always know how I will react and keeps them focused.
Hi Diana,
Great strategies. You are keeping the excitement level high and this really engages the students. Sounds like a class I would really enjoy taking.
Gary
I like to start each class off differently. If we did lecture first last week, we may do an activity first this week and have lecture afterwards. The next week we may start of with a video or guest speaker who is active in the field. Students get excited about coming to class and getting there on time, because they don't know what they will miss if they aren't there and ready.
Kevin,
Good point. I also like to keep students guessing about what is going to happen next. I also agree that the class discussion is an invaluable tool for self-discovery. I always find it wonderful when students realize that they have been learning and didn't even know it. Additionally, they have an opportunity to learn from their peers and from themselves.
It is never fun to get out of our "comfort zone". We like it there and we feel safe in our surroundings. Why should we have to leave? When we are out of our comfort zone we are challenged to accomplish goals that may be difficult. Some students love to participate in class so much that they annoy others in class. Others have to be begged and pleaded with to answer just one question. If they can step out of that zone even a little, they will find new comfort zones that will allow them to accomplish or set new goals.
Bonnie
i engage them by giving options for success and letting them make decisions. I encourage them to think outside the box and every mistake made is a chance to learn and move past a boundary
Hi Kevin,
Good point. What are some of the methods you use to get the students involved with the class.
Gary
The more they participate the more the get from the class. It really helps to get them thinking.
