Hi Debra,
I concur! Your energy level is way down as an instructor when you sit, thus making the students energy level low. Standing projects a different energy level while teaching.
Patricia
I like to break the class up into groups and assign each group a problem or scenario to solve. I have each group member write a different step in solving the problem.
Yes! I believe that standing is critical! If I were to sit behind the desk, I would be doing a bad job. The students would drift and I would not be effective.
Hi Tara,
Having a field trip within a grading period is a great tool to pounce on throughout the module to bring about excitement and hold interest.
Patricia
Hi Debra,
What do you tend to do to capture student attention? I stand and teach to project as much energy as possible.
Patricia
That is so true! I really like that idea!
Change the presentation format or method; utilize powerpoint presentations with alittle humor, videos relevant to content matter or have guest speakers discuss chapter information along with their real world experiences.
Hi Todd,
Great, at least you are very conscious of this, and you make an effort to involve every student.
Patricia
I try my best to directly engage each student in the class, every day. By the third week, they know if they don't speak up first, I'll be calling on them with an open-ended question.
Hi Christopher,
I randomly call on every student daily, therefore they know that they must be alert at all times.
Patricia
Calling a student by name!! How great is it to know that the instructor knows your name? I've always made it a point to know names of students on the first day of class. I also try to pick up enough bio about each student on the first day so that I can alter the way I ask questions from the first day on. Helps with gaining respect from students.
I'm partial to tying its relevance into current events. Of course, moving about the room and standing closer to them doesn't hurt either.
I like capturing the attention of inattentive students by telling them a factual real life event that directly relates to the class. I'll than have a quick discussion, drawing in the inattentive student, to further motivate the student.
I have definitely broken the class up into groups if I get a sense that they are getting bored, etc. I've spoken to the student directly during a break, and I also will call on those students and ask them questions. I love the idea of minute papers too. I will definitely use this idea.
I teach Culinary Math. At the outset of the course, I try to have students help me out by working problems at the board. I explain that we are all there to help each other and if one person makes a mistake, it is everyone else's job to help them through the mistake courteously. The stategy works for us in the fact that the less adept students are not afraid to go to the board to try to work a problem.
more in class discussion, students teaching students and interactive learning.
You can do it through changing the pitch or volume of your voice, bu taking a step towards them or by moving around behind them. In a last resort you may call on them to participate or tell of a personal experience related to the content.
Hi Jennifer,
You are right! Student involvement is a big part of the instructor's responsibility. Pull students into your lecture/lesson.
Patricia
often times i have started class with the question "what do we remember from yesterday?" so class starts with the students and i dialoguing/verbal quizzing about previous class material...this gets them thinking and comfortable with the material we are discussing...then as i lecture i call on many students to share their insite. when you involve the students in class discussion they cant be inattentive.
Try using a non related activity such as a very short puzzle to "wake them up". Once this is completed you have their attention. It is up to the teacher to make the information as revelent as posssible. Dont teach irrevelant information. If you are teaching it make sure the students know when and how it will fit into thier chosen profession
