I have some very young students whose attention span is low so I have created shorter lecture times and added computer games into the learning enviroment to test a skill. I find if I makethe learning experience more interactive they try to respond more than just sitting and looking into space.
Make sure they are current in the class and have not fallen behind as this tends to make the student insecure in moving forward with the group. perhaps additional after class assignments will promote better understanding?.
My most challenging students have been those who would oftentimes make excusses for not handing in an assignment on time. I found that imposing penalties for late assignments does help.
First you get a long stick and hit them in the head with it. Just joking. But that is what I do. Use a sense of humor and relate a story to the subject matter so they become interested.
Thanks David!
Prof Ferber
By all means. Please use that question whenever you like. Funny thing about teachers.......we're always teachers 24/7.
I can't think of a more noble profession.
Hi David,
One thing the military teaches you is discipline. You're right, some of our young people have not a clue about discipline. It is becoming scary. I agree, it is all about "how bad do you want your education." Whenever I was in graduate school, I remembered saying to myself, "I do not care if it kills me, I will complete graduate school." I was just that determined.
Patricia
David,
I like that question. With your permission, I will incorporate it into my classes.
It gives you the idea of whether they understand what they are spending their money on.
Thanks
Prof Ferber
Having a strict military background my most challenging students are the ones that lack discipline. Some young people today don't have any idea what discipline is or how it can help them achieve their life goals. I like to ask them questions about how they think this course will help them and then provide an example of how it has helped others, myself included. I also talk about what this type of education has done for me. For these types of students motivation seems to be the key factor. I start and end every class with this challenging question: "how bad do you want this education?".
Patricia,
That sounds great. I do the Zero policy when it's midterm or final time. Years ago, I had a student try to cheat by using a telephone.
Our school does not have any type of policy, but like I said, I can control it by walking around. It amazes me how many students think they are doing themselves a favor by instant messaging instead of listening or writing down the power point presentations. But when they realize that I roam, it happens less.
Patricia,
On Oct 22, @ 3:04pm I wrote "I warn the students at the beginning of class that their cell phones and internet must be off. If I have to warn them three times then they will lose 5 points off their midterm grade. So far, it works." Which you responded to.
However, I would say that students who do not do their homework and assume that they can get an A or B is a challenge. I try to stay on top of them and let them know that from day one they have 30% of their grade... if they do their homework they keep those points, if not, they will be subtracted.
I find taking the students privately and asking what happened helps sometimes. But sometimes, they are just lazy and do not want to do it.
Karen-
We have a cell phone policy at my institution. If the cell phone makes a NOISE, the student is automatically sent out of class for the day. The student receives "0" on all work for the day. We hardly have any cell phone violations because of the strict policy. I generally do not have a problem with the internet.
Patricia-
Sometimes Patricia, I use the "centerstage" student as a sounding board by asking the remainder of the class- Does the remainder of the class agree? Inevitably someone else will disagree with the centerstage student and I don't need to put them in their place!
I warn the students at the beginning of class that their cell phones and internet must be off. If I have to warn them three times then they will lose 5 points off their midterm grade. So far, it works.
Hi Robert,
I have never heard of class starting so early. I imagine you would have to do something to wake up your students and yourself.
Patricia
Since we start class at 6:45 in the morning I end up with a number of unfocused students, mainly asleep! I try to have labs or some kind of "moving around " activity to keep them going.
Hi Troy,
Younger students tend to have a lot of energy. Class involvement is key whenever it comes to any type of student.
Patricia
Hi Marvin,
There is generlly one in almost every class that "centerstage" student. I like to professionally and tactfully break down these type of students to let them know that there are some things that they don't know, haven't seen/done, etc.
Patricia
The most challenging are the younger students.
What I have done in the past is use them to give the class a demo.
It gets them involved and helps to keep them involved.
My biggest challange is the centerstage student
the one whom has done it all seen it all and has a story so unbelievable he embarasses himself if front of the class. I sometimes talk to him one on one and encorage him to prepare better before he presents his amazing story to the class
