Anicdotal data, situational role play and socratic questioning sessions.
I enjoy using visual aids that might interest the student such as demonstrational videos. I also allow time for discussion to motivate inattentive students to share ideas.
In order to keep the student engaged in the class an instructor needs to use a variety of strategies such as clickers, groups, and other interactive teaching methods.
asking questions but also channeling the answers to the question into a participative discussion by class
I like splitting students into group and having the inattentive student be the spokes person for the group. I also like to ask the inattentive student for their input about the topic that is being presented.
The Internet has become a part of the learning process for adult learners. I try to find relevant free videos, especially on youTube, to present to the class. The learners can access the same links and view as often as possible to help solidify information presented in the text book and classroom.
Hi David,
Absolutely, and never sit to teach! The instructor sets the tone for the classroom.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sandy,
Very common ideas, but great ideas! These ideas work beautifully. I also like to take a quick walk down the sidewalk when I feel as though most students are not engaged.
Patricia Scales
i try to ask all students questions and walk around the room dont get behind podium and stay there. it doesnt hurt to have a joke or story handy to change the pace also
Involvement! It is all about trying to implement activities that promote involvement which then promote attention and can lead to real learning and liking it, too.
One way I have tried to capture inattentive students is to create a pile of index cards with every students name on it. When I am asking a question to the class, I will randomly pick a student from the pile, and they cannot be out of the pile until they answer a question correctly. This is just a way to randomly call on people and not seem like I am calling someone out in an embarrassing way. I also make sure I do a group activity or project once a week that makes them think. Then, I rotate who is in-charge of presenting the activity to the class.
These maybe fairly common things I've tried. Moving around the room and/or changes in the tones and volumes of my voice. Especially softer to softer until I stop talking & wait until the students stop their conversation. Then ask if anyone has any questions & ask talking students for the answer. Getting students to get up and move, stand up, breath deep, stretch, get more oxygen to the brain just those few seconds can help them refocus.
Hi Chad,
I like how you vary each third of the class. Students love variation in the classroom. No one enjoys being bored.
Patricia Scales
I try to do an attention activity at the beginning of class, then a demo in the middle of class and a recap Q and A at the end of class, making sure to ask questions to individuals, not just a free for all session.
Hi Dr. Randy,
When you give students something to work toward, the interest/attention level increases.
Patricia Scales
One technique I have learned here that I really like is having the students do the One Minute Paper. I find when I tell the students ahead of time that they will be asked to do this, they are more likely to pay attention.
By actively engaging them in the class in a non-threatening way
It seems like the overwhelming response is active learning - engaging the student in the learning process. A passive lecture where they are not involved, if boring, can really zone someone out. But, if you require them to engage in the learning by answering questions or being responsible for the material via a pop quiz later in the class etc., then there is much more motivation to pay attention. Also, using a variety of medias so that you can cater to everyone's learning style, is important. Different people learn differently.
I like to use voices and accents to get their attention. You'd think that dealing with olders students this would be unfavorable it really works. Also I use past experiences..
Keeping the subject matter fresh by keeping yourself current on content and advances in the field you are instructing.
