Great dialogue everyone,
I too feel that "real world" experiences are very important to the classroom. In my Programming and Database classes, I normally create projects that are not from the textbook, but instead come from some of my "real world" experiences. I also challenge the students to make changes to every program I assign them to "extend" their understanding of what the project is all about.
John
It seems that younger students have more difficulty being attentive and they are the more computer literate students. For them, assignments requiring internet related research is a good idea.
In general though, it is a good idea to "move on" around the room when you're lecturing. It's also a good idea to "vary" your speech (volume). Study groups are also an effective way to involve inattentive students.
Thanks!
John
As I walk around the classroom,I ask questions about things I just mentioned or that another student just spoke about. Often, I will stand next to the student who is inattentive and ask his/her thoughts on what was discussed. This usually gets the individual focused on the material.
I agree with asking direct questions of students who seem inattentive; I'll sometimes pose a question of their person preference related to an item we're preparing in class, for instance. I find that this usually draws them in, at least for the time being, to participate and focus on the discussion/lecture.
Hands on exercises. Obviously, there are times when you have to lecture, but by having hands on or bringing real life examples to the students helps get and keep their attention.
Hi Paul,
Jeopardy always works well and students really get into it. The game concept is definitely a way to get students involved. The good thing about Jeopardy is that it can be utilized for any subject.
Patricia
Hi Winsome,
Asking questions typically get students to focus. When a student is called upon they want to respond accurately.
Patricia
Hi Kathy,
It really works to keep students focused whenever you involve every student daily in the question/answer session. I also like to show my enthusiasm as well to capture attention.
Patricia
I use the gaming concept. I apply what the class has recently learned and put it into a game, for example, Jeopardy and it seems to be a very interactive way of involving all the students.
I try to make the lesson relevant, ask questions randomly to everyone, so they know they will be called upon eventually for an answer, and I like to begin class with an ice breaker to get students comfortable with each other.
Kathy Loecher
I think course content relevancy is the key to student focus during class. If we take the time to regularly check with the students on how they feel we're meeting their expectations of the course, we'll have the map to their interest. As a result we'll be able to steadily guide them through the lessons with the knowledge that we're targetting their points of interest as we move along.
Hi James,
This is a quick, yet smart tactic to regain your students attention.
Patricia
Hi Manuel,
You can never go wrong with visuals. Students really get it when they can see it. I like to call upon my students throughout my lecture as well to keep their focus.
Patricia
I encourage discussion in my class, and I expect participation from everyone not just a few. If I see that a student is not participating I will ask for them to state their opinion or ask if they can elaborate on what other students have said.
I may ask that student a direct question that relates to the subject being discussed. I have broken up the class in groups and each group has the opportunity to conduct a presentation.
Hello Patricia,
I like to use as many visual and phisycal aids as possible during my lectures in order to capture and maintain students attention. Aside from that, it gives them a clearer understanding of what I am lecturing about.
The way that works for me is to, in a unassuming way pause my lecture and knowing that their discussion isn't on point, asking that if I missed something. Afterall, what they say is important, right? It is a quick way to automatically redirect the focus back to the subject.
Hi Diego,
Mobility from the instructor is crucial. The instructor has a different engery level due to walking around as well as the students. Engery goes from the instructor to the students.
Patricia
Past students as guest speakers are very relevent to students and capture their attention
Hi Ron,
To capture students attention, you must first get them involved and keep them involved.
Patricia
