tired students
What advise do you give a student who doesn't have his life budgeted correctly. I recently talked to a sleepy student who informed me that he works 10 hourd a day in addition to attending 6 hours of school a day. While explaining this, he fell asleep in mid sentence.
I generally teach students in night classes and as such have found that I am the last activity in their day. My students are tired and talking to them as a group about their committment to school is something I incorporate on the first day. I commend them on their drive to work and go to school, but I remind them that this undertaking is about their future and that their success depends upon them juggling their committments to put this new undertaking; that is, education at the top of the list.
Hi Patricia, I have had this problem also.. My breaks are usually 15-20 mins. When break is over and I have resumed class (Theory), the door is locked. Students returning late, will need to knock and be let in, with a warning. This is my way of letting the students know that I am serious, and they should respect the rules and guidelines set-up for class.
Juan,
I think you're such a creative instructor and I like your idea. I might use your idea in the near future.
Susan
Hi Nathan,
You handle this like a champ. I am sure your see positive results from your students.
Patricia
If a student is sleeping in class, they are a distraction and a disservice to the other students in the class, the first time this happens I let the student "sleep it off" until a break in class is given in which time I let the student know that the next time they fall asleep in class they will be dismissed and receive a grade of zero for the day. To actually help the sleepy student I schedule a meeting after class and ask them why they are so tired, usually the solution is an easy one dealing with lifestyle choices and can be remedied by the "you're here to better you future, let's start by committing to that decision" talk that most often is an easy decision on the students part.
Eric, I also have tired students occassionally,and i find that talking to them as to why they might be tired can include something in their personal life, job outside of school,and sometimes physical. Depending on what it is, we have resources to which the student may be referred for further assistance. In addition to all of that, I also give the required amount of breaks that our institution allows. I allow a tired student to stand, if necessary, as well as to go to the back of the room to walk some extra steps without disturbing the rest of the class. Lastly, I let them know that we, as instructors, have been there too, and that we understand-there is light at the end of the tunnel,hang in there,it is worth the effort. Barb Jarosch 1-05-2010
There is a lot of good advice here. Initially if a student is falling asleep, i look at myself and the current classroom climate. If it is not interesting enough, students will sleep. I find another approch to the current subject, and change the learning environment. I will pause the lesson, and go into a live activity of applying what we are learning in a real and practical situation. This usually wakes everyone and gets them all involved. Additionally, it shows the importance of the material at hand.
Eric I find it works well to give frequent breaks and be sure to have this student get up and move around, also remind the student that he has made a finincial investment that will be wasted if the student can't pass the class.
Hi Al
I think you are correct, sometimes it comes down to taking some extra time to talk to the students, finding out what is going on in their lives and seeing what can be done to make their class time more productive (and the commuting time safer!). We have someone that counsels the students and we can refer students to that person, or we can talk to them ourselves. Sometimes, just having the instructor talk to the student personally (possibly several times) can make a difference. Sometimes I'll start and it clearly becomes a question of getting the student to the proper resources and I'll get the student hooked up with student services so that they can get the needed resources.
Hi Chyrisse,
I mark them tardy if they come back late from after break. My institution has an attendance policy--if a student gets more than 8 tardies they are withdrawn from the course, also the student loses points off of their attendance grade. This policy works extremely well.
Patricia
Hi Julie,
Do not allow him to disrespect you by sleeping in class. Have a firm conversation with the student, if nothing changes, have him removed from your class.
Patricia
Hi Allen,
I would have done the same thing have a conversation with the student. Student must learn how to priortize.
Patricia
I had a student who admitted to other students that the reason he was so sleepy in class was because he was out partying all night. This happened quite frequently. All other students seemed engaged in class except him. Any suggestions on dealing with this student?
Hi Juan,
This is a never ending battle. Some students put forth great effort, others will do just enough to get by. Continue to teach and motivate to your fullest level of potential.
Patricia
Hi Chyrisse,
I do not know if there is anthing we MUST do, but we can certainly talk/advise.
Patricia
Hi, Al..You are correct, I wonder about how they manage to drive to school! There is a safety issue here! I have had students on medication who have confessed they often have trouble staying awake. In a case like this, is there something we must do? Thanks! Chyrisse
I know what you mean.
I had a student fall asleep while in mid conversation in our lab.
This was witnessed by another instructor.
He also worked full time and of course was in school.
This was a safety issue, as far as I was concerned, working around automobiles.
I interviewed him and found out his weekend activity included late night socializing.
"Good heavens, we must have some of that.
Otherwise I would have no life at all."
The student and I had several conversations about personal priorities.
He agreed to make changes and kept his word.
No more sleeping, standing up in lab.
Al Widel
Trust me I have to constantly modify my lectures, always on the fly, my prep for a class is never the same. But in the end as much as I try to keep it intersted there are some students that wont put that effort in like the rest and stay awake.
Hi,Patricia...My concern is after each break it takes awhile to get back on task. They seem a little rowdy. If I give a 10 min. break some wander back after 20 min. What do you suggest? Thanks! Chyrisse
