Help the Student Pay Attention
Ideas to Improve Motivation
1- exaggerating and/or changing your voice's inflection (pitch or tone) when presenting key information.
2- You can slightly increase and/or change the volume of your voice (speaking rate).
3- Use Preferential Seating
4- Create Low-Distraction Work Areas
5- Restrict Student Access to Electronic Devices and Other Potential Distracting Objects
Cell phones can indeed be a problem. I really like the suggestion about the clear bag with 24 slots for students to deposit on their way into class. Even on vibrate they are a distraction.
Cell phones have been an issue for a while now, and is getting worse. They are now appendages! I have the students put their cell phones in a clear plastic "shoe bag" next to the classroom door. Peer pressure works to ensure most phones are in the bag. With 24 slots in the bag, I have a good idea how many phones might still be with students at their seat and also have a good idea which students have their phones with them at their seat. I know I am teaching adults, but the shoe bag works fairly well to control cell phones in class
1,2 and 5 are the responses posted by Ibrahim in the first note in this thread.
Although my syllabus forbids the use of e-devices in class I find it is a oft disobeyed rule in the back of the class. i plan to use the movable seating chart to bring some of the worst offenders up front
Students should be aware from day 1 that cell phones, etc are not acceptable in the classroom; should be on vibrate and only if an emergency, then they should take the phone into the hallway to have their conversation.
Hi Debby,
Students need engagement. No one likes being bored.
Please explain 1, 2, and 5.
Patricia
I use 1, 2, and 5 (it's a college rule). Students need a stimulating enviromnemt.
Suggestion #1 is a good one, I sometimes fall into a monotone voice if it's too early in the morning!
