Staying active in classroom and aware of students reactions to your approach.
I also have found that simply talking to the student after class is helpful. Sometimes they are not even aware they "drifted" off and the next class will be much more attentive.
we have a jar in the class and if you are asked a question about something i just said and you cant answer it you put a penny in the jar, its only a penny but you wont believe how it keeps them hanging on your every word.
When I have lectured for what seems like a long time, I like to stop and tell a real life story relating to the subject at hand. Not only will that reconect the student but give them a taste of what the field will actually be like.
When I notice an inattentive student in class I tend to wander over their direction during lecture. This is not easy due to the table layout and size of the classroom but does tend to work. I read throuhg a considerable amount of the posts on this thread and jotted down a few ideas to use in future lectures.
To capture the students attention I often stare and lecture directly at the for a short period to let them know I am aware they are being inattentive.
Hi Sara,
I love the games, and I am sure the students love them as well. Students love having fun while learning. Spelling Bs are real big at my institution.
Patricia Scales
I usually reflect on the lesson topic and make a note of how I can make it more interesting. I also move closer to the student or try to call on them to engage them in the class or use their name in an example or story.
We do a lot of medical terminology and the students must understand and spell the words. I have two games that get their attention and keep them engaged. The first is Bingo. I make up cards of terminology, and then call out the meaning of the word I'm looking for, and the other game is a word search. I put a word search on the overhead, and then call out the word I want them to find. Each student has to know how the word is spelled, and when it is found that student comes up to the board and circles the word. Both games encourage learning and competition and generate a lot of laughter!
Hi Linda,
I understand, our students really have a lot going on. I have quietly awaken students as well due to the fact I know they are exhausted because of trying to juggle it all.
Patricia Scales
Hi Megan,
We have to do something to keep our students focused. Lecutures must be engaging in order to hold our students attention.
Patricia Scales
I have a number of things I do to regain attention. First of all, I check the clock - is it time for a short break? Often times I will ask questions. Sometimes the questions are about the topic and other times they are personal questions that I can ask each student - "Where were you born?" As I go around the room, everyone starts paying attention. I also have the students come up to the white board and re-write a chart I let them know will be on the next quiz/test. Everyone gets the chance. This not only gets students moving, it gets them to pay attention and even review their notes. On occasion I will gently wake up a student. This rarely happens, but many of my night students have worked all day, rushed home to change, come to class, and maybe gotten 4-6 hours sleep the night before. Even the best students have times of exhaustion. When I do it gently and quietly, the other students see I expect them to stay awake and I respect their busy lives.
I try to incorporate a variety of things while I am teaching. While lecturing, I may switch it up after 20 minutes and try something like performing a competency, or a group activity, a case study, a quick video, demonstration,etc. I also do a quick look around while I am lecturing to see if the students are participating and listening or not.
That is hilarious! Sometimes, I too, will incorpate song lyrics into the lecture just to see who is truly paying attention. It is an effective way to add some humor to an arduous lesson on grammar.
Megan
Inatttentive students are very challenging! One way I try to get them involved is with one-on-one questioning, group work, and sometimes I assign them a task to do (for example write the daily prompt on the board, or control the powerpoint slideshow) just to keep them involved more. Most of the time, they are not bored just distracted or tired, so this keeps them much more focused and accountalble.
Megan
Act engaging...act energetic...address those that aren't acting involved
I've found from experience that it's important to move around the room and encourage involvement. If they realize I'm looking for contributions from everyone, they are less likely to tune out on their laptops. And even if their answer to my question makes it obvious they weren't listening, I'm careful not to embarrass them. I'll simply encourage someone else to help them out. It gets the message across without being hurtful.
Hi Gary,
I agree! Hands-on activities are great for retention of information. It sticks more with students when they can doit and/or see it.
Patricia Scales
I have found that immaturity plays a huge role in student inattentiveness. Some of these students continue with their High School attitudes and need to be addressed individually.
Walking around and among the students is effective, particularly if you spend a little extra time in the vicinity of the inattentive student(s). I'm also considering utilizing the cell phone using student to benefit themselves and the class by asking them to research the course topic on their phone and tell the class what they find. If they are going to use it, it might as well be constructive use! Then I'll ask them to put it away for a while.
