draw in the What is in this for me.
Show how the skill level fits their objective which is be better their life situation
have concrete examples of the job that this skill level relates to and have sample salary figures for it.
Provide other SME's as guest speakers or provide real world field trips to show the skills in action.
proximity control of the instructor
I find that strategies using movement are very productive. By stimulating oral, visual and kinesthetic learning students are more likely to be engaged and to continue participating.
Two strategies my master teacher taught me when I was working on my teaching credential (K-12) were to vary your location in the classroom and ask questions. This was before powerpoint so your lectures had to be able to grab the student's attention. I do remember when I was in college I had a number of instructors who stayed in one place or focused their eyes on the back wall. By varying your location and asking questions while you are lecturing students are apt to be more attentive.
You need to capture their attention by using more than one teaching strategy. You should teach to all learning styles. So, although you can lecture, it is also important to use PowerPoints, small group hands on activities, ect. This will ensure that you reach all learners.
Hi Holly,
Some students are more likely to open up more in a smaller setting.
Patricia Scales
I feel that breaking the class into small groups helps capture student attention by making him/her more responsible for the material being given and allows the student to have an active part in a class presentation.
Its good to break up in small groups to help get everyone involved and then listen to the results created by the groups.
Frequently stop to ask questions, break with a quick current event and encourage students to take a psysical break every hour, to get their blood pumping.
I walk around the clasroom constantly and gaze at students papers before them. I can see which students are taking notes or following concepts in the textbook and those that do not.
Hi Vincent,
Sometimes PowerPoint is over killed. I like the idea of using just a minimal amount of slides to get the point across, too much of anything is not good.
Patricia Scales
Just positioning myself close to them often helps. But I look at myself as an entertainer as well, if someone is not paying attention then I am not doing my job of being passionate and fun about the subjects I love.
This is what I always do. I keep one light on to make sure students can write notes and reduce the possibility of fatigue and boredom.
To capture the attention of certain students it helps to use an example with which they are familiar and direct questions to them at times regarding the example.
You can capture attention of students by having them participate in the discussion and asking them questions.
Use a minimal amount of slides and engage the class by asking questions. Breaking down the topic into small chunks. Keeps the class alert and involved.
Hi Nelly,
I concur! I engage students by making a practice of randomly calling on students daily.
Patricia Scales
One thing I do to capture the attention of inattentive students is engaging them in class discussion. the more participation they have better their level of attention.
A couple of methods I have found to be useful is to have questions at the beginning of the class period that the student must answer and keep a journal of to be graded once a week (also keeps students on time!). Also I really like having students come up to the whiteboard and interact during lecture, whether it is to summarize the input of a group, or answer a question/problem. Keeping the selection of the student who comes up to the front of class helps encourage participation as well as attention.
Hi Regina,
Students are more engaged whenever a variety of teaching methods are utilized, such as role playing, simulations, scenarios, case studies, field trips, guest speakers, etc.
Patricia Scales
