I agree that moving around the room helps to keep student’s attention.
If an instructor shows energy and interest- the students feel the energy also. It sets the “mood†for the class and the attention factor follows.
Circulating as you lecture is a great way to keep an inattentive student on his/her toes. Also, randomly calling on students. Creating a review game to end each lecture is also a great way to get involved. Group activities also help.
Lori
This section has really been educational. At our school, students have laptops in the classroom and this can sometimes be a problem because they play on them.
I'm thinking about implementing the "blue card" idea and have each student get 2 "blue cards" and they have to use those cards during our discussion.
I'm also thinking about using the "minute" observation and see how well they are paying attention to what is being said.
Hi Michelle,
Students tend to really enjoy the hands-on examples. Generation Y is a very technological and hands-on generation.
Patricia
I try to give hands on examples and class discussions where all can participate. Breaking the students into groups helps some to with students who are shy or quiet. They seem to open up to smaller groups.
Try relating to them and citing examples that don't go over their head.
Keep on track with your lecture and power point presentations
by paying attention to all the students to not make them feel left out, asking for their views ansd encouraging participation. putting them in groups with topics shared between th estudents in agroup to encourage team work and live upto group expectation.asking for thier inputs about making class interesting and any help they need
to understand/learn the subject.
When they like what you are teaching them and you like to teach it ,all will mesh together
If more of the classroon is being disengaged (late night classes are particularly difficult for some students)I will introduce an active learning activity. If a student is disengaged, I will make specific eye-contact, move closer to that student, and ask the student a question.
I have the same issues--loud voice and pacing around the room during lecture. Keeps the students awake and responsive.
Hi Bill, I have used some of those same methods. Most recently, I have even moved myself to "hover" next to those off-track students and have them aid me with the class discussions.
I like this method of student involvement, Ulises. Often, I ask my students to be part of the presentation in various ways, like researching a topic, role-playing, and demonstrations.
I enjoy capturing student attention and use a few different methods. I like to break into small group and rotate the group members each time. Also, I like peer reviews. The peer presence and opinion adds value to the class and lets the students be accountable for their input. Last, I like the students to help each other in learning by giving them specific topics to review and present.
I try to get the students excited about what we are learning by sometimes telling stories about being in the workplace, about what could happen in the work place. I find that if I am excited about the subject that we are learning about in class then more times than not the student is excited also.
I like to ask them questions I know they can answer. Then praise them for a job well done.
Hi Karianne,
I understand! This is a great way to grab the attention of the unfocused student.
Patricia
Hi Jaime,
Students really and truly enjoy hearing applicable stories to the lesson. This is great way to break the monotony.
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
Students really should make it a practice every day to recap on the daily lecture so that they can stay interested or grow an interest for the course.
Patricia
Hi Carrie,
Whenever the instructor is energetic students seem to be much more attentive.
Patricia
