Candace,
The use of cell phones has slowly creeped into our world. They are a big distration and should be left out of the classroom. Most of my faculty follow these practical steps. They provide guidelines about cell phone use in their syllabus and verbally discuss them on day one. We discuss it at orientation before the student even begins. Cell phone on a person has to be set on vibrate or silent mode during class and absoulutely cannot be used in class. Cell phones are collected during testing periods. If a student leaves the classroom "to take an emergency call", they ask permission to step out. Abuse or not following the pre-established guidelines can result in point deductions that affect the final grade. It's not a perfect system but addressing it these ways at least minimizes the distractions.
Barry Westling
We have tried to ban cell phones from class. The students will say they have to be in contact with their children or their school in case of an emergency. It becomes a contest as to who can sneak the phone text in. Much of the class time is taken up by addressing this problem. Any suggestions?
Gerardo,
Sounds good. Sometimes just standing next to students who seems distinterested is all that's needed. I also think asking questions is a great way to reengage a student. Sometimes a group of students will appear distracted or not interested. In that case, a change up, changing to a whole different topic or a different way of presenting the material can help reengage when there is distraction. Of course repeated or habitual events will require talking to a student (students) outside of class to reinstill our purpose, focus, and goals for the class - sort of like repeating what you do at the beginning of class.
Barry Westling
One thing I do at the begining of the course is to explain the students what is the goal first mine then I follow with asking them after reviewing the objectives to present which has more interest to them, this help me to prepare ahead to preserve their arttention during the class presentation.
When any student shows distraction I bring him into class with a question to the topic at hand and follow with inquiring if there is a question that they want to ask on the same topic and make a discussion. This has to be made real short to properly manage class time and prevent to run off course of the planned presentation.
Debbie,
One thing I try to consider is "why are students not engaged in the first place". My job is to capture attention so I can be effective with my instruction. My answer is usually to break up the session with a variety of activities. Re-engagement is like reattachment. I can reach students when they're attached to my wavelength and flow.
Barry Westling
Trying to head of the off task possibilities by trying to use a variety of methods in class. The plan "B" that was mentioned can apply to this situation as well. Once you know your students it may be easier to have a backup or know some better ways to approach certain students.
Kara,
Yeah, I agree students become disinterested for a lot of reasons, and our mission is to try to recapture them. I find a surprising, unusual, or interesting story seems to nearly always bring people back into focus. If more attention is needed, discussion, or changing to a whole new activity may be needed. Getting stronger students to help weaker students is a great idea, if that fits the time available and lesson objectives.
Barry Westling
Typically, most students that seem disengaged in the classroom are either bored due to knowledge beyond the subject matter, or bored due to lack of knowledge and/or interest in the subject matter. Once you feel your students slipping into this mode, come up with a group activity in which these students engage each other in learning. Students who are not understanding the material may benefit from a fellow student's explanation. On the flip side, a student knowledgeable about the material may feel a sense of accomplishment or reward from helping a classmate.
Mary,
This sounds great. Sometimes just one or two students are not flowing with the rest of the class. That's one situation. When the whole class seems less than fully engaged, that's when some activity (such as you've suggested) can be implemented to attempt to reengage the class, stimulate their interest, and get them back on track. I have found that by planning these kind of activities to start with helps keep students involved and participating.
Barry Westling
To get off-task students reenaged in the class you can change the format of the presentation of the material such as breaking the class into smaller groups to go over a case presentation or other activity where the students must use their knowledge of the subject matter and their personal backgrounds and problem-solving skills.
Lindsey,
Many (but not all) get the message when their instructors pauses to silently "imply" they are being a distraction. It's amazing that some just don't get it, and this step would have to be repeated more than one. Speaking to the student (or students) afterwards may help, and is definitely needed. In my syllabus, I put a standard remark about my prerogative to re-seat students for any reason. I have had to resort to that, too. That helps 90% of the time. Even so, there's always some that just don't get it.
Barry Westling
I have used the pause method when people are talking and most of the other students address the students who are interrupting. If the problem persists I speak directly with the students who have issues.
Algevis,
That sounds goo. For me, standing next to a student while I lecture can keep a distracted student on track. Also, asking a question of a specific student is usually helpful as well. I try (as often as possible) to never have my back to the students.
Barry Westling
I usually explain the topic by drawing a diagram on the board.
Karen,
I believe part of our role is to be able to tune in (be sensitive to) how or why students may be distracted from learning. Since I am in control, I have total responsibility to effect change in mood, attitude, interest, attention, and the level of energy and enthusiasm I project.
Barry Westling
I totally agree. Alot of times students will get off track or not pay attention because they become bored or confused very easily. As instructors it is our responsiblity to keep the students on track and keep them interested. Teaching requires high energy motivation and enthusiasium. If the instructor is not motivated the students won't be.
Bibi,
This is a great way to (possibly) keep interest, focus, attention, and engagement. At least they're involved with something related to class activities.
Barry Westling
I have a couple of off-task students in class. I found that getting them engaged by coming to the board and writing down their answers is just a small step to keep them focused.
Philip,
Yes, in spite of advising to avoid surfing (or even doing other course classwork during my class time) some students will not adhere to the warnings, stated on day-1, printed in the syllabus, and verbally reminded frequently. I never want to use instruction to penalize, but that said, if students have too much time on the hands, then additional learning activities seem warranted.
Barry Westling
I have been known to sit in the back of the computer lab and observe certain students enjoying Facebook and Youtube while others are working on the class assignment. I have also been known to email those same students messages congradulating them on them on thier proficiency of using said websites, thus awarding them with extra assignments due later that day. They obviously need more work to do, so I'm happy to oblige.
