Hi Tamara,
I fully understand! I allow Johnny to assist a weaker student. Sit Johnny beside a weak student.
Patrici
Hi Paul,
We have to learn how to read our students, and it seems as though you do this well. Whenever we get that lost look from them, we should try to present the material differently.
Patricia
Hi Ashley,
Super way to bring an unfocused student back into the class discussion/lesson.
Patricia
Make students participate in classroom activities!
In the past when I've noticed inattentive students I will start throwing questions out to the class. I will randomly choose students to answer the questions and choose an inattentive student somewhere in the middle. This shows the students that they must keep on their toes.
I never stay at the front of the class. I move around and ask questions, always giving the ten second wait time before I go on. I can usually tell if the student is understanding by the look on their faces. If the "look" is right, I present the material in a different way.
There are sometime such as computor applications classes where you can't move around the classroom because you are stuck at the computor to demonstrate a process. Any suggestions on how to capture the "know it all" student's attention when you are trying to demonstrate for those students who want to learn how to do it?
speaking in a clear and soft tone of voice ,standing and moving about the classroom
The suggestion that the instructor have frequent breaks in a lecture works well for me. I get feedback from students that the breaks, questions, and review help them retain material presented in class.
I never stand in the same place. I move around all the time. I strategically place myself by students who might be drifting off. I use the Smart Board and encourage lots of participation. I use PowerPoint and Turning Point also for interaction and keeping them involved. Another good idea is to throw a random question about something totally off subject every now nad then. It keeps them listening to see what the next "crazy" question will be.
Hi Stephanie,
Excitement really begins at the top. The instructor sets the energy level for the class.
Patricia
Hi Amanda,
Hovering is an effective practice to utilize to grab a student's attention.
Patricia
Hi Mary,
I also like to call on students sporadically to keep their focus.
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
Incorporating fun while learning is a perfect combination. Students love playing games.
Patricia
There are a few different ways to engage or get more focus from inattentive students. Either by seperating the students to smaller groups to gain the attention of all of the students or by directly standing next to the inattentive student.
Today I decided to put into practice the "minute" activity where you have one minute to tell me everything we just discussed about a particular chapter. Students were excited because I told them they would get one extra credit point for every one they got right.
When I started the timer they were excited to earn some extra points (I limited it to 10) and then it hit them that they were not paying attention so many got zero points.
What a GREAT activity for listening..especially if you don't tell them you're going to do ahead of time.
Has anyone else tried this activity?
Hi Kathy,
Absolutely! Enthusiasm starts at the top and will trickle down to most students. The instructor should be an energized bunny.
Patricia
Hi Stacey,
I like this! Great way to test their knowledge base and help them earn bonus points.
Patricia
I have my adult leaners do something similar do that only we pass the marker as a torch and drill each other on medical terminology terms. It also gets them more involved in their learning process
I find it is helpful to sometimes break the routine from time to time. I played a passed the ball game while teaching medical terminology. When the ball is randomly passed from teacher to student after been given a medical term. They are to give an answer for extra credit points. If they don't know the answer they throw the ball back to the instructor so that it can be tossed to another capable student.
