Some of the best ways that I have found to capture a sudents attention is to create activities that are involving them and their future careers with topics out of the material. They all seem to be engaged when it comes to getting up and moving around.
Ask the class, for real life experiences either personal or a situation that they have knowledge of, pertaining to the course of study. That they would like to share with the entire class. This will keep everyone involved, with questions and personal respectful opinions.
Hi Juanito,
Great points made! Once it has been discovered that a particular student is inattentive, that student needs to be spoken with immediately to determine what is going on so that advice can be given.
Patricia
Students can be inattentive because of so many reasons. And it is the instructor's job and mission to find out so the instructor can get the student's full attention during class. The student maybe just plain tired , sleepy or lacking energy because of home and work responsibilities. The instructor must be able to stimulate this student effectively to get his or her attention. The instructor must be engaging in class and must encourage student participation . Interaction among students must be facilitated. The instructor can call the inattentive student during class recitations.The instructor must maintain eye contact with most of the students especially the inattentive one. If these do not work , the instructor may have to talk to the inattentive student after class and find out why the student seems to be uninterested in class. This is also a good time to do a full advising session and get to know the student better and learn if he has some concerns that have to be addressed immediately.
