A sudden change in environment.. suprise guest.. lights off to entertaining media or video,, and a large amount of encouraged class interaction is effective in capturing a students attention
during the first class, I ask students to provide a brief bio. Later, if a student is not paying attention, I ask the student, based on some of their experiences, to opine or provide suggestions related to the topic. It is a matter of helping the student feel good and become more inclusive.
One way that an inattentive student's attention can be captured is by engaging them in class or group activities and discussions. This way the student can add their own input and we can still maintain the objectives that are to be met and have the students input on the subject.
I changed the subject matter for a few minutes about free food the school was having then after everyone was paying attention I started back into the lesson
Hi Mary,
Great ideas! I also like to give direct eye contact to students to capture their attention; sometimes even a little stare.
Patricia
Hi Gwen,
Students enjoy playing games that are applicable to the lesson. There is nothing like having fun while learning.
Patricia
If i feel that a student of mine is not engaged in the topic, I usually try a different teaching method. I will change up the content delivery. For example, I may bring instruments or other activites into the classroom for the kinethetic learners.
Go close to the student or you may ask question pertaining to the topic. You may ask them their opinion or view.
During my lecture and powerpoint presentation, I will asked students to summarized what was presented to them. I sometimes split them up into small groups,and always make sure that the daydreamer / inattentive is placed with the group that is attentive, this forces them to listen, and participate in the discussions without me having to call them by name.
Asking for their input, playing a game that requires everyones participation. Asking a direct question, or assigning groups to work on a project.
This can be difficult because it's not always the course material that is causing disinterest from the student it can stem from problems at home or work etc. So what you need to do is to get the students to try to realize why they are there and that the knowledge they get can help to improve their life situation and help overall in life.
break the group into small groups
ask direct questions to student
By adjusting my teaching style to keep the material interesting and current.
I agree with the course, it is helpful to break students into small groups so that the student is in a situation where they will need to participate. They may feel more comfortable asking questions of clarification in a smaller group as well.
The other students in the small group can help the student to understand the material better.
Hi Cathleen,
I like how you used the tactic of letting the student know he was engaging in an activity that he should not have been engaging in. You really got this student told in a smart way.
Patricia
James- I like your idea- sharing stories related to the class based on your experiences. I do that as well in my classes, when I am in the classroom. Lately, I have been teaching online, which is harder to relate experiences.
I also liked how you presented it in this forum, "right sauce of the day"- nice!
Cathleen
Hi James,
Students need as much flavor as possible to capture their attention. Students enjoy hearing stories that are applicable to the lesson.
Patricia
I try to keep the lesson on the focus of the task at hand. If I have an story about an interaction with part of the job and a customer I try to fit it in to the presentation. Sometimes its just the right sauce on the day.
I get their attention when I share my real life work experiences, what to look out for & what to expect, how to think on your feet. Basically doing what needs to be done to get the job done.
