Engaging Learners
What are some techniques for keeping students engaged throughout the term? Please explain.
I like to engage the student by giving them topical extra resources which involve popular culture to explain or further develop the topic. This helps draw them in, and gets them excited about the subject matter.
One thing I try to do is to have a few "off topic" stories to talk about. I teach a course in writing...that is composition, but in my chats I often talk about American history and World History and some of the important characters of the past. Of course, that information is not exactly on the topic, but it breaks up the topic a little bit, infuses a little story-telling, and usually can circle back to what we are talking about anyway. Students always say they like these little diversions that add a little humor and a little "down time" to the course. Maybe it could work for others too. Just a thought. What do you think?
James,
These are among the 'best practices' in today's online classroom. It is certainly moving in the right direction.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Yes, and I think teachers can really spur conversation by communicating with students about the content...that is doing specific teaching of the material...and THEN always ending with a question. Although it does not elicit a 100% response, the responses I get are really very good and more people respond when they are asked a question than otherwise. It keeps the conversation going. What do you think?
Linda,
You should definitely implement a syncretic follow-up to allow the student to enhance their own thinking and allow you to verify that enhancement.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Marshall,
You are employing a very powerful metacognitive approach. Keep up the great work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
How do I know as a teacher that a students is understand the lesson being taught if they are giving me a vague answer. Do I ask they to explain more in their answer or should I assume they undertand the lesson and move on.
I ask students questions, request they explain themselves when they provide a vague response. The idea is to have them think about their responses, spot the weknesses in their own response and see if they can provide a more reasonable or reasoned answer to the discussion board assignments.
Elizabeth,
I believe your recommendation, "A great way to keep students engaged and coming back is by asking follow-up questions and assigning small readings to encourage them to delve deeper" is an excellent method. Keeping the students focused on the accomplishment of course outcomes should be the focus. Also, creating collaborative situations among students may help create bonds that maintain student engagement.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
