The disengaged
Hello,
Students don't have the connection between what they study and its importance. Getting them hooked is important.
Hi Steven,
Our students certainly have a lot of outside forces causing them problems in the classroom. If a student's problem is ever beyond your scope refer them to an expert in the area.
Patricia
some of these disengaged are usually having personal problems. It can be alot of work but I make every attempt to find the root cause to the attention issue and help the learner deal with the conflicts.
When preparing my class I use objectives up front. After about 15 minutes I try to summarize what we have discussed and then I'll ask questions to those I have observed talking, sleeping or not engaging in class. I use assessments and have the student demonstrate what they have learned and discuss it's importance. As educators it is important not only to present the tools but help the student evaluate the effectiveness of the tools for their use.
Hi Darren,
Students need to realize theory is not real world. Real world has to be done by actually performing in the work place.
Patricia
In teaching pre-professional courses, it is often tough to balance course material between "real world" and certification/qualification exams. The examples of real world may not be text book.
Students are adult learners and they have everyday life problems that interfere. I try to help them set priorities and work with them as much as I can but it ends up being so much more work for me! Using real life examples usually is that hook to get them engaged if you can get their focus for a few minutes. It seems to determine success rate!
Hi Richard,
As an instructor, we never make an issue out of a poorly written textbook. We should do our job as the instuctor and explain various concepts thoroughly so that the students fully understand, regardless as to how well the book is written.
Patricia
This is the most difficult problem, particularly when you can understand a student's lack of enthusiasm for an poorly written textbook.
