Participation
How do you handle a student who is not interested in participating in a classroom activity?
Do you give an alternate written activity?
Christian, lack of participation could also be that we as instructors are not doing enough to engage and grab their attention. Trust and respect must be earned by the instructor and we play a fools game if we consider the title of instructor as enough to demand respect and trust within our own classrooms. Work to earn your student's trust and respect everyday and you will experience very positive outcomes.
James Jackson
I always want to know why the student isn't participating. Is it because the student didn't hear the instructions clearly? Are they tuned out because of something that happened in their home life? We as instructors need to be sensitive to our students needs but yet have full expectations that the student will complete the task on hand.
Student participation is one of the keys to their success. On the first day I always indicate to the class the rewards and benefits to be gained from class participation and professional behavior in he class room. I also spell out clearly how such qualities can impress a potential employer especially during externship. I would further show how academic hands on skills are useless, if not accompanied by professional behavior, cooperation and participation. I find that this strategy does get their attention and I usually get almost 100% participation even from the potentially disruptive student.
Patricia, you first need to understand why they do not want to participate. Do they fully understand the importance of the lesson and the risks of not learning the skill? For some students a defensive posture is all they know. They may not fully understand the consequences of not learning a new skill.
James Jackson
I try and draw the student into the conversation. If they are not paying attention I walk closer to their desk to engage them directly. I also try to find out what interests the student and then direct the class topics in that direction to help make a connection between what the student is interested in and the learning objectives for the class. Many times other students in the class will catch on this who know the uninterested student and they will build on my comments to help pull the student into the discussion
