I use a lot of PowerPoint presentations, then try to keep the light on and stop every 10 minutes to ask questions.
One way to capture student attention is to randomly call on students. I had a professor once who had students write their name on a popsicle stick the first day of class, and then place the sticks in a bag. He would randomly reach in the bag and call on the students name he drew to contribute to class discussion. If a student knows that there is always a chance of getting called on, then he or she might pay more attention in class.
If I notice a student not being attentive I usually will break the class into groups and have them teach a portion of the lecture, letting them know that everyone in the group must contribute by saying something they think is important from that section of the lecture.
Some ways I use to redirect their is attention is to change the structure, by doing a short activity to encourage some engagement.
I usually try to keep their attention. If the students become inattentive, I usually have them stand up and stretch, move around, and other things to try to keep them motivated. I keep a light on during lecture so I can keep an eye on them so they do not fall asleep.
If I am lecturing on a topic, I will ask the students questions throughout the lecture to keep them involved. I am not a big fan of PowerPoints because students have a tendency to not pay attention. I will go over a few slides of the PowerPoint and then stop to have a discussion. If I know that a student is not paying attention, I will ask them to answer a question without making them feel like they are "on the spot." I do sometimes break the class into groups to work on an assignment. Sometimes that is beneficial and sometimes not.
always keep the room lighted
Hi
I capture their attention by tapping on their desk, that way they know that I know what they are up to. I also like to break up the class in to little sessions. for example do lecture for 15 minutes then break in to groups to have discussion. this way they don't get bored.
Hi Amina,
When you question the student, and they do not know the answer, they tend to become more focused.
Patricia Scales
One way that I ensure that I have the attention of all of my students is to correct our tests in class. During the correcting phase, I call on an idividual student to read the question out loud with the answer that they chose, until we have completed the quiz or test. If it happens to be the wrong answer, I will ask if any other student put something different down for their answer, it starts a discussion on why the other answer was the correct answer and look it up in the book. We also use this as a study time to get the information that the student didnt get right on a test, so that when it comes to putting this skill or knowledge into action, they are fully prepared.
I usually throw in a question to that unattentive
student,and it is usually pertaining to the most recent topic being discussed.I have found this to be very helpful.
Hi Angelia,
I like your energy level that you display to involve your students. You are on your feet projecting energy and not sitting behind a desk or standing at a podium.
Patricia Scales
Hi Cynthia,
PowerPoints are great, but they are even greater whenever visuals are included.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jill,
Students remember short assignments that enhance the learning objectives. We need to do whatever it takes for our students to retain information.
Patricia Scales
I do my best to involve each student in discussion throughout the lecture and I am always walking around the classroom to engage the students...and each student knows that during the lecture I will look at them directly at least twice.
I have found that a video or visiual power point seems to capture the attention of my inattentive students and gets the group talking.
I use "real world" experiences in my lectures. The what, why, and outcomes interest my students. The more graphic and dangerous the example, the more attention and feedback.
I agree, with short intervals you can make sure they are getting the material as well as a better chance of them retaining the information.
I like group activities to keep everyones attention. I often have them present back to the entire group. Have them use flipcharts, etc.
