When I need to capture my student's attention, I come prepared with extra group activites that I can interject into the lecture time. I will shorten the lecture and engage the students in more individual and group participatory pursuits. Students especially enjoy affable competitions.
The way that I would capture the students attention would be to ask them some questions to reinforce the lesson.
What's worked for me in the past is getting creative with execution of lectures, with careful planning, I've created scenarios, role playing and used games to enhance learning. It's all about enjoying the lessons and help students find value in the lessons.
For me the key is being attentive. By listening to the students I can get a good sense of "who" they are and I use that knowledge to address them. It's kind of like a special customized attention getter.
I think engagement is very important. Allowing time for participation and listening to the individuals needs and concerns as related to the class.
I try to bring in my other course material that does pertain to the subject at hand, I also bring in my own experience so they can imagine what I had to do etc.
I agree on breaking down the material to 15-20 minutes at a time because that is about the attention span of a student before he starts zoning out during a presentation.
Hi Daniel,
Awesome! Students love learning from their peers. Some of our students have natural teaching abilities.
Patricia Scales
I agree this works for me also
I have 6 "groups" in each class. During my lecture I assign a different section that each group will
"review" to the class the next day. Talk about paying attention!
Effective way to capture student attention is to show that you are an authority in the field. Connect to your students through shared experiences. Make every one contribute.
Hi Gary,
Great points made! I like to give the student a stare or move closer to the student so that they get a cue, you need to pay attention. When students understand the full relevance of a course, they tend to pay more attention becasue they understand the benefit.
Patricia Scales
Some of the ways I capture the attention of inattentive students are to engage them in a given subject that is both relavent to their learning welfare and their individual interest.
There are several ways to capture the attention of inattentive students. One method is to move closer to the student. It is also helpful to reflect on the material and mode of presentation to make sure that it is relevant and clear. Pointing out the relevancy of the material is helpful. Personal examples or having the class reflect on the relevancy of the material in their own lives is very helpful. Gently calling upon the student in class can help but singling a student out can be counter-productive. You can always break the class into small groups or rearrange seating to gain attention and interest.
I totally agree. Calling on an inattentive student when you ask question will help motivate them. This always works for me!
Hi Frank,
When you say things outlandish you really grab students attention, and you can certainly take off from that point.
Patricia Scales
Generally, I tend to make an outlandish statement concerning the subject matter in an attempt to capture their attention and once I have it we discuss the pros and cons of the statement.
Sometimes calling on an inattentive student when you ask a question will motivate them to pay attention. Especially, if they are caught off guard. But, it sends a message to them that the instructor wants them to be apart of the class.
Hi Ramon,
Students love deviating from the norm of lecture. Students enjoy group activities, hands-on activities, scenarios, role playing, field trips, guest speakers, etc.
Patricia Scales
Yes, group activities are an amazing way to bring back the inattentive crowd. Having the role play based on real life scenarios have proven extremely popular and effective way of getting the lesson across.
