Adding Enthusiasm in the Classroom to Engage Students
I really liked the idea of enthusiasm in the classroom. I teach a College Success course and enthusiasm and making connections are often key to communicating the information. I make sure to apply the information to my personal experiences as a student, their life experiences, and how it applies to school.
I find that they are more engaged when they can see a connection between what they are learning and their educational goals. Moreover, I find that making the students laugh by pretending that I am "in the know" through tying the topic to pop culture is often successful. If nothing else, my students tend to remember my crazy examples and it sticks with them. Also, they have fun and feel more connected to me as an instructor.
I use a powerpoint for lecture. I allow time during the powerpoint for questions and interactions. I tell them stories about my experiences with the subject matter. They have worksheets to work on. Some worksheets require laboratory time were they get hands-on experience with testing in a laboratory. It is just a really quiet class. I guess it's the smallest class I've taught.
Hi Annette,
What are some things that you do to keep your students engaged during the 4.5 hour class?
Gary
We meet once a week. It does get challenging since it is a 4.5 hour class.
Hi Annette,
With a class of 4 you have a big challenge. My night classes have between 35-40 students so I can mix them up and do all kinds of activities in groups, etc. With my classes I break them into groups and do case studies after 8. We first read through the case study, then we go into groups to talk about solutions, and then we come up with a final list of solutions. There is a lot of talking, interacting and sharing that keeps the students awake and engaged.
I know the case studies or problem solving activities will work with your 4 but you are going to have to really work at engaging them since there are so few.
How often does your class meet. Daily or once a week?
Gary
I have a small class of 4 students. It's a night class so it is hard to get them motivated after 8 pm..my class goes from 530 to 10 pm. I am having a hard time being enthusiastic when they are clearly tired...any suggestions.
I 100% agree with you. I am teaching a Paralegal Studies class right now and I can be show so much genuion enthusiasm at times that the students just smile and laugh. I think that is a great thing. It shows that I enjoy what I'm doing and it also shows that I enjoy my chosen field of a paralegal, which is what they are working toward.
Hi Margaret,
Sounds like a fun class with a tremendous outcome. The idea of helping students to be successes in college is wonderful and to give them examples and skills to be so is even beneficial.
Gary
