I make a habit of working on exercises and case studies with my students during class. After we discuss a certian topic, we do some exercises covering the topic, either from the textbook or exercises I make up on the board. I go around the room and ask each student to answer one of the questions. I have enough questions that each student gets to answer. This way each student participates and not only one or two students take over. This works for my classes, as my classes are typically small.
Generally speaking, all students benefit when they understand that hearing and listening are two different behaviors, and that, like reading or spelling, "good listening" is a skill that they can learn.Students also need to be aware of how a poor listening behavior negatively impacts on their learning. Those inattentive student who would rather have side conversations,play with their phone, or even sleep ways you can get there attention as the instructor you can slightly increase and/or change the volume of your voice (speaking rate).Which lets them know you mean business and what you are talking about is important. As calling on them to speak and give their point of view on the lecture.
Hi Teresita,
Some students simply do not pay attention while a concept is being taught. Once you discover that a student is not paying attention have a firm private conversation with this student so that things can improve.
Patricia
I've found that changing my position in the class room helps. Another technique i like to use is silence. For instance, when giving a lecture i will unexpectedly stop for a brief period. This usually gains some attention as it alters the pace of the lecture.
Tamara,
There are instances that first,second, and third process demonstration on computer for the whole class may be learned by a majority students and to those who are inattentive may not learn it. I suppose that after your presentation, you'll walk around to see how the students can work on their own. You may observe some who may be coping or not doing anything at all so you may try to select that small group and present to them another time. Being in a small group, you can catch each student's attention. You may again screen those students who need more of your assistance and sit with them. In this way, those students who are inattentive would feel that they are significant to you by addressing their needs.
I like to walk around the room and ask random questions. This way everyone gets a chance to answer and they have to pay attention.
Hi Vickey,
I can tell you make your students feel very welcomed each day. I felt the warmthness of your sincerety in your response.
Patricia
Hi Christopher,
I use a variey of teaching methods too, and I generally change frequently as well to keep interest up.
Patricia
Hi Scott,
Students really enjoy and learn from personal stories that are applicable to the lesson/course.
Patricia
vary from straight "lecture" and include stories from the real world, keep things interesting and encourage students to reply with their own stories, in my years of teaching i have found this to be effective. of course, respect all students, you will usually get this respect in return.
I find that changing my teaching approach every 15 to 20 minutes is beneificial in grasping and retaining the attention of students.
Everyday I greet each student at the door and welcome them into class with a smile! I let them know im glad to see them and ask them how their day is going. Then when we get class started, I let someone tell an amusing story or joke to get everyones attention. Once class starts, we get into a circle so everyone can see each other when they are speaking. No one has to turn around or talk to the back of someone elses head. When they can have eye contact with each other, they seem to really listen to what each person has to say.
have student placed in small groups
While teaching I also move around the room and it helps to keep students off the Internet and cell phones because they don’t know where I will be walking. Sometimes I will change my voice level to get their attention. Occasionally we cover uninteresting topics so I have each student read some of paragraphs so they will be able to keep up with the discussion and stay focused. Throughout the lecture time, I introduce my experiences and provide an instance of how they will use this knowledge.
Require that they turn their notes for the day in for credit.
Hi Tammy,
How creative! This is a great way to incorporate learning while having fun. Great use of technology (Blackberry) as well.
Patricia
Hi Diana,
Super eye opener! I have not implemented this, but I certainly see the relevance of it.
Patricia
Hi Tammy,
Great tactics to keep students on point. My voice really projects, and my students seem to stay alert based on my loudness.
Patricia
Hi Charles,
Breaks have proven to be a time for students to reenergize and regroup so that they can focus on the remainder of the lesson.
Patricia
Sometimes, it just pays to let them have fun. I was trying to explain the difference between the balance sheet and income statement in a beginning accounting class the other day, and said it was like musical chairs. I showed them what I meant by turning on a song on my blackberry and then softly tossing a student the eraser.
I told them to keep tossing the eraser around the classroom until the music stopped, and they were all immediately engaged, regardless of how bored they were before. I waited until a student with a good sense of humor had the eraser, then stopped the music. There was a lot of laughter from everyone.
They all got a kick out of it for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that I used my blackberry as part of the teaching device. I then explained that the income statement is like when the music was playing--all the transactions occur throughout the year, the company earns revenue and incurs expenses as it goes. But then the music stops and someone is left with the eraser--and that is like the balance sheet, which tells us what the company has at a certain point in time. I think they will remember the difference better now.
