acknowledging students
I like to break up long class periods by having students share an answer to a question throughout the night. This can be a question such as, "Name one thing you would like to have with you on a desert island besides food and water." This allows students to get to know each other somewhat, it allows me to get to know and acknowledge them, and for them to be comfortable around each other and in the classroom.
I also have the students fill out a questionaire the first class with how many semesters they have been students, what their expectaions are of the class and how they would rate themselves in knowledge of the subject area. It gives me a great idea of the diversity of students in the class. I then hand out the survey at the end of the semester and have them evaluate the knowledge area question to see if they feel they have learned anything from the class and compare it to what they believed when the class began. I have had students say everything from "I feel like I know more" to "I thought I knew something and now I REALLY know something about the topic" It is a great way to begin and end the class.
Hi John,
I will be glad to share some activities if you can give me some additional information about the setting and content in which you are teaching.
Gary
I would love to know some of the activities you are using. Perhaps there are non-traditional ones
Asking the students if they have questions on the reading is very important. That way, they can get ideas from me and from their peers. I always like to open the questions up to the whole room to see, first of all, who in the class has the answer, and to allow a little bit of class discussion based on any differing opinions that may come out of such a presentation of materials.
I as well take the time in the first class to have the students introduce themselves to the other classmates; as well as introduce myself. I like to take the time each day to meet each one of the students and make sure they understand the material also having them keep in mind I am available if needed.
This is a great idea! Sometimes in a long class it is so important to break the time and energy in the room up. I regularily ask students what they think or how they feel about the topic, textbook, comments and discussions and some rich conversation usually occur as a result. It is a way for them to "apply" what they are hearing to personal beliefs and experiences
Hi Beth,
This is a good way to "set the stage" for the day. You get them to thinking, laughing a bit and then you are right into the class content.
Gary
I like to give my students a one page word scramble activity at the beginning of each session. We go over the answers, some of which are humorous and it gives us a chance to ease into the lesson of the day.
Hi Nicholas,
Your method helps to get the students settled into the class without any pressure since you are asking them to talk about themselves and their experiences. As their comfort level increases they can start to contribute more to the class and share their expertise with others.
Gary
At the bginning of class I like to greet all the students and ask how they are doing. I also like to ask if they had any questions they would like me to address in lecture from their reading last night. It gives the quieter students and opportunity to get clarity on a subject they might otherwise have not received.
I always in the first class have the students introduce themselves to the class and tell them a little bit about themselves. This gives them some self confidence talking in front of an audience and makes them realize that they may have something in common with other students.
I enjoy giving my students small activities during a long lesson. I love your idea. that must be a lot of fun at times!!!Thanks
Hi Madelyn,
Good point about developing student rapport. Just a few minutes of interaction makes a big difference in the development of respect between the students and yourself. We need to always remember this as we get caught up in the whirlwind of teaching.
Gary
I find that acting out sessions, like a deposition, and having students participate as one of the players: attorney, witness, etc., breaks up the dullness of the class, and yet teaches them how it will be on the job. Students love to participate in this kind of acting out, and something funny always seems to surface, and it gets their minds off of the learning grind. Bobbe Bray
I like to mentor my students every day, just taking a little time to discuss their needs. It doesn't take long, but it allows me to stay in touch with them.
Hi Kathy,
Good plan. Longer class sessions need to be broken up with activities or change of pace so the students can let their brains rest a bit, relax and then get back into the class content. You are giving them such opportunities and I know your retention is going to be higher as a result.
Gary
