Reengaging always depends on the type of student. Some students respond in different ways. I've had students start a class discussion off topic and had to redirect them to the lecture or activity. Other times, I have let them have their 5 minutes and then get back to the lecture or activity.
Danielle,
Right. I find just asking direct questions of specific students can sometimes be all that is needed. Other times when the whole class just seems to be disengaged, I'll move to an alternate activity. But I can also move back to the original activity if I need to in order to meet my daily course objectives.
Barry Westling
There will be many students that will be disengaggeing and sometimes depending on whats going on with the student it can be very hard to get them reengaged. But if you plan different activities for them to can sometime keep them focused.
Abdul,
These are both great strategies to use. I think asking questions right at the moment students begin to get disengaged helps get everyone back on track. But if it persits, doing a whole change up or alternate activity may be warranted.
Barry Westling
Some ways of getting off-task students reengaged in the class is by asking them questions about what you have just finished discussing. Another is by grouping the students and having them work on a small assignment that had to do with the lesson given that day as well.
Christopher ,
Yes, tuning in to students' conversations while conducting a discussion is needed and getting students back on task is needed. Otherwise, students will soon learn they can "chat" without consequences regarding their wasted leaning time.
Barry Westling
You have to try to listen to the students conversations and at the same time teach class. If the conversation is about the lecture of the day (for example) then you can make a decision on how to bring them "back to class". If its about their weekend party coming up the CLASS needs to be reminded of Respect for each other and Instructor.
Jennifer,
Sometimes, just a break is all that's needed. Other times, a change in activity is warranted to get the attention and refocus student for the topic at hand. One simple thing is to tell a story or something from the work setting. Students like stories and usually instantly begin paying attention.
Barry Westling
I try to allow for break timeto clear their heads... I usually try to mix lecture with class work time & jepordy still review
Nichole ,
During lecture, I will ask questions. This keeps interest. During discussion, I involve as many students as possible. I also interject demonstrations, illustrations, and personal examples that compliment the topic at hand. Sometimes a brief break (5-minutes) can help reset the class tone. In general, if students are interested in the topic, they will pay attention.
Barry Westling
What I have found to be the best method is to refocus them by directing them to a task that I know they enjoy.
Lovett,
Students get distracted for all kinds of reasons. Except for illness, most reasons are not as important as getting the students reengaged. This can simple, such as asking pointed questions, to having students get up, move around, or do some physical activity (even just taking a short break can help reset sluggish minds).
Barry Westling
This subject is a really really big one. Thats why i have started to include my student in on all activities and rules of the classroom.
Brenda,
I agree, and I do this very thing. Nearly everything that is a discussion or lecture item probably has some form of practical or demonstration activity that, with a little thought, can be done on the fly. That's what I do, both scheduled oand on the fly deomonstrations or mini labs. It does break up the routine.
Barry Westling
Having a short lab period to do a task related to the lecture subject not only gets them back on task but also energizes and wakes them up.
Verna,
Sounds good. I try to come up with my own strategies as I've found students will tend to offer suggestions that are easy or don't require as much work, which may or may not lend itself to significant learning. But taking a break, resetting the tone, and maybe changing activities works well for me.
Barry Westling
Sometimes it is diffucult to get students that are off track back on so what I do is I give them a break, and ask them what can I do different to hold your intrest in this course. If I can changes things the way the students want them then I do, but I make sure that the whole class is in an agreement with the change.
Verna
Leticia,
This is a good strategy. I don't think it takes much to get things realigned with the topic. Stories are good because students like them and if we can refer to something applicable to the work setting, the student is likely to refocus to the topic.
Barry Westling
I like to get their attention back to the subject by sharing a personal story of either how I studied the subject or how its used in the field. I try to bring the importance back to the subject and continue on from there.
Jessica ,
This is an unsettling commentary on the mindset and culture our younger generation feels is comfortable - and acceptable!
Barry Westling
