As the power point presentation is being presented, I always am asking for "rephrasing" and input on the topic. This includes making drawings on the board, by the students, to offering classroom participation points for the day or the module for getting involved.
Assign them a task of some sort to "engage" them.
When teaching 3-4 hour classes, intersperse (for every 45-50 min of lecture): 1)few stretching/deep breathing activities; 2) "learning team" activites, 3) role plays, 4)"role reversal" activities, ie, students rotate to be teacher/instructor for a few minutes, and 5)individual application/processing activities (depicting/summarizing previously discussed topics
One can ask them questions about the subject matter being studied, invite them to the board to present material or solve problems relevant to the current learning objectives, or have them work on a projected computer solve an Excel-based problem, for example.
Stop the presentation every 5 to 10 minutes to ask questions or for topic discussion.
Put them in a group, make them the group leader and tell them to "lead by example"
I like to keep everyone involved in class. We do many powerpoint presentations. We have many discussions in class as well. I never give them excess time to play around on the internet, text, etc. I try to keep everone involved by picking interesting topics about what we are covering in class.
Hi Sally,
It does start again the next period! A teacher's job is never over! We have to have a constant NATURAL HIGH every day.
Patricia
I know that the books say that we are entertainers and that can certainly be challenging every single day -- to be "on!" But, I try hard to do just that -- be energetic, engaging and inquisitive. I move around alot, adjust my tone, write on the board, use different props of the trade, ask a lot of questions. I usually start the class off with something of interest -- a newsbroadcast, a movie, some topic in the field of interest to them -- just to get them energized and talkative. I use their names a lot which lets them know that I am interested in them. I try and am usually successful at showing my passion for the field and interest in learning -- although there are some topics that are just dull -- but this can be fun as well -- try and make some jokes or activities -- shake things up and challenge yourself to make sure that you capture the students' attention for the class period. Then it gets to start again the next period!
Hi Emeka,
The instructor must definitely bring out the best in themselves to be able to keep students focused for any length of time. No one likes boredom. I do a lot of scenarios, simulations, role playing, and group activities to keep my students alert.
Patricia
I keep all lights on during PowerPoint presentations, be sure to take breaks, and include some type of interactive session during the class period. I also use my personal experience in the field and examples of what I have encountered as a way to keep the students engaged in the lecture. Often times, I do start the period or somewhere in the middle of the session, I focus on what is going on in the world today.
I usually have my students tell me what they learned the day before going around the class room. They also have to tell me what that had trouble understanding then it turns into a class discussion. From that information we may make up some new notes.
Capturing students attention is a craft that distinguishes instructors as experts beyond their wealth of knowledge. It demands a mixture of strategies that address the biggest deterrent to our ability to manage our classes.
In my case, I use my Q & A session which can occur at any point in the lecture to get their attention. I give short breaks and sometimes I have to openly address those that distract others all in an attempt to keep the students focused.
Ask them a quetion about the lecture or topic I am speaking about. or walk around the class room
Keep the students moving. If the lecture needs to be lengthy, have stopping points where students engage in groups or relevant activities.
Stopping a presentation helps to break up the pattern and get students to become attentive. Group work helps them work together as one.
I try to make every class meeting interesting, but there are some topics that are just not all that interesting. Therefore, I try to relate it to a personal experience and allow the class to share some of their personal experiences.
Hi Alice-Marie,
Our students have a lot going on outside of school. I like the idea of have one-on-one coferences to get them back on track. Most of our students need constant motivation and guidance to help them with their succcess.
Patricia
One method I use is to envolve the student in a open discussion, the student will feel he/she is part of the class. Instructors should move into the classroom also.
Hi Laura,
We have many students that simply memorize the information for the test then they forget it. Retaining and learning the information is not important to some students. They need to realize they will utilize this information on the job.
Patricia
