I tell them to clear there desk and give them an oral quiz based on what I just taught. :)
Hi Melissa,
Students want and need variety. The some old boring PowerPoint presentations can be way too routine causing boredom. Try scenarios, role playing, simulations, hands-on activities, etc.
Patricia Scales
My first time teaching, I spent a lot of time lecturing in PPT and the students spent a lot of time sleeping. I changed it so I called on random students to read some material, I asked a lot of questions and didn't move on until I got good answers, and had group activities for the second half of class (not to mention breaks). I can't escape completely from the presentation format, but breaking things up has worked for me.
Hi Robert,
I like the idea of the chicken. I can see how this help wake students up. We need to be creative in holding our students attention.
Patricia Scales
I have avoided power point presentations because the room must be darkened, leading to drowsy students. So I make cartoons, on the white board or on a set of flip charts prepared ahead of time. Also,the charts allow me to return to a previous point for further discussion if necessary, and then resume my presentation where it was interrupted.
Even with the best intentions, some students will become drowsy or allow their attention to wander. In this case, I pull a rubber chicken out of my lab coat or brief case, shake it at the class and make some dumb joke, such as, "Don't chicken out on me,you can master this!" This is good for one use only per class period.
Kelly that is so good and it works. I do the same thing and I also incorporate real life scenarios they might encounter on the field that pertain to the topic. Also by involving them and asking if they have an opinion and not just a question on the subject, they feel a part of their learning process as well.
I tend to observe the student to try to figure out the reason. It may be hunger, nervousness, tiredness, or stress. I don't want to embarrass the student by calling on them just to wake them up, since this is a setup for failure on the student's part. At the break, I say few friendly words, ask if they've eaten, etc. I might directly ask if they are distracted for a particular reason and invite them to speak further with me about it after class or at another time. If the problem persists and it is extreme, such as falling asleep in every class, I seek advice and may suggest that the student drop the course.
Otherwise, if we are just covering something difficult and students aren't focusing, I try a different method or walk around the class and ask questions.
Generally I move towards those students or I direct a question that needs to be answered with thought given to the lecture or demo procedure.
I may start or end the day with a short quiz.
I have on occassion asked those students to assist in the demo.
Hi Karen,
Me too! In the classroom, I have to add nature by keeping my blinds open. I feel way too enclosed and out of touch with things with the blinds closed.
Patricia Scales
I agree I hate to have all the blinds closed and not able to see outside especially on pretty days. Even on rainy days I like to know what is going on outside.
I teach a four-hour lecture class . . .and of course it gets long for the students. To help break the time up and get inattentive students attentive, I break the students into small groups and then have assignments for them to work on together. The assignments relate back to the lecture I just gave, so the inattentive student knows that he/she must pay attention in order to be an effective group member.
A technique I have used is to place the inattentive student in charge of a group assignment. They generally pay attention when the responsibility for success falls on their shoulders.
I have a 1 hour 40 min. class. After about 1 hour of lecturing I tell them I am tired of talking and they are probably tired of hearing me, so I stop. I have themstar working on their workbook and move around class to see if they have any questions. This gives me opportunity to find the ones that didn't quite understand and I can re-explain.
I sometimes start my lecture by asking the student body a question regarding the topic & how it can relate to them or their future employment.
Group discussions have been extremely helpful in keeping students engaged. Also using personal stories and asking if they can relate with any examples makes the subject more relevant.
Hi Jodi,
Asking students questions is a good way to help them stay focused or to regain their focus. When students are called upon they really want to answer correctly.
Patricia
Hi Andrew,
I like sunshine! I always keep my blinds open to help add energy to the room. I keep my lights on at all times, especially when I use the LCD projector. I have found that when the light is off, students tend to get sleepy.
Patricia
Hi Susan,
It is great to break the monotony when teaching. Students need and want variety.
Patricia
I try to mix it up during the lecture. We take breaks and alternate between lecture and class work. I also ask the students to give me a 'heads up' when they need a break. This holds them accountable and also shows my willingness to listen to their needs. Worst case, I tell a story from my work experience and pick one that is humorous or bizarre. That usually wakes them up.
I do this too. It helps keep students awake and involved more. I have had small classses lately, so it is not so much of an issue, but I do stop the lecture and ask questions, review the material periodically.
