Things that have worked best for me include moving around the room, pauses in lecture, focusing questions to specific individuals and most recently I have begun special assignments for students that are otherwise not involved.
If I have a student who I need to capture his or her attention, I ask a question of the class, and if I don't get any takers, I call on that student. Then I engage them in a question/discussion to get them back into the class. I also tend to include students in discussions and I walk around the class room, engage in eye contact, and use different ways to get my point across.
Hi Michael,
At the beginning of the course they are unable to identify it because this is something they are going to learn about as they progress through the course. I like how you spark the curiousity.
Patricia
I make it a point to walk around at points in the lecture. I will randomly call on students to help with a example we are working through. I also make sure that the lecture is broken up into parts, so we have a hands on component at least every 1/2 hour as a way to keep attention and activity level.
In heating class I hold up a component I know they cannot identify. I explain that from here on, they will always know what this is when they look at the parts of a furnace and will understand why it is needed.
Hi Michael,
Students like the tactile aspect of learning. We have to do all we can to keep our students busy.
Patricia
I like to incorporate alot of hands on and real life experiences in my lectures.
Hi Linda,
Moving toward the student is an old trick to regain students focus, but it is no doubt still very effective. A lot of old school ways still work today.
Patricia
Hi Derbe,
Tactfulness is very important. You do not want to call a student out in front of their peers. This can create a bad situation. The situation needs to be handled tactfully.
Patricia
Invite guest speakers, or field trips.
First have eye contact and see if it works, if not move closer and involve the student tactfull
I like to plan field trips.
I find that moving toward the inattentive student during lecture brings them to attention. Also, sometimes when attention seems to be wandering, I will stop talking for a minute. When attention is again focused, I will ask for comments.
Hi Joan,
Great variety in capturing students attention. Topics of interest really add a lot of spark to the fire.
Patricia
Hi Leslie,
Asking questions always seems to be the magic in capturing students attention. No one wants to be caught off guard.
Patricia
Walking among the students as I lecture. Asking questions of specific students.
Leslie
Physical presence--Walk over to their desk and stand beside them or general vicinity
Ask them to share thier thoughts on the subject
Include topic of interest--relevant issues e.g. nationwide healthcare, student's job specialization in lession
Walk to the direction of student and make eye contact
Hi Douglas,
Games are a sure way to promote learning. There is nothing like having fun while learning.
Patricia
Break the students into small groups and give them a topic that they must discuss/present to the other groups. It will encourage the inattentive student to contribute to his/her small group.
