Dorian,
I like that "stop what you're doing" part. If something isn't working for whatever reasons, sometimes it's better to just sort of reset things, and get a head on discussion going that serves as a wake up to the setting.
Barry Westling
This discussion thread stopped me cold cuz I cannot imagine taking notes on a smartphone! Talk about distracting! How does one know what's going on when a student is tapping away on his/her phone??? I'd have to insist on paper & pen during class - & transfer to computer later.
Stop what you are teaching and redirect the focus by having an open discussion on the topic being taught.
Rich,
Older instructors are finding they need to adapt to the newer electronic classroom that is becoming an ever present challenge. Keeping up with the changing times keeps instructors aligned both with their students and the changing instructional delivery environment.
Barry Westling
I try to use direct questions to bring the distracted back to they fray. It's definitely difficult with so many students taking notes on laptops, tablets and smart phones. All of those offer so many distractions during class. I try to get my students to write notes on paper and minimize this, but electronic tools are the norm now.
Jon,
This is good if there is a serious, ongoing attention or focus problem. More often, students can get distracted and some easy fixes may be circulating around the room, calling on specific students, having students walk up to the board to explain something, or even breaking into discussion groups. This break in the action is often all that is needed to break the "funk" of the moment.
Barry Westling
If if is only one student that seems distracted or off task I pull that student off to the side and have a conversation one on one with them. Sometimes, it is family problems, lack of sleep, or financial difficulties. Just the fact you cared enough to ask and having someone listen to them can really get them trying harder to stay on task. If it is a large percentage of the class that is off-task, then a change in what you're doing needs to happen. A quiz, a debate about topic matter, or even some type of game (i.e. jeapordy sp?)
Sherile,
Yes, definitely. Hopefully we can get any unplsesant behavior corrected prior to students reaching graduate level, where the consequence could be loss of a job versus a discussion from their instructor about professionalim in the workplace.
Barry Westling
Students will benefit from knowing rudeness does not work well in the classroom or the work setting.
Justian,
Involvement is really the key to engagement. Even instructional games can be effective.
Barry Westling
In my experience,I try to get the students in class by the use of games and hands on use of the class discussion topic.
Katie,
Engaging students (however one chooses to do that) is important to keep attention, and for the instructor to be sensitive to, in order to not lose some students who are distracted by,...whatever. Our job is to facilitate instruction to all, and allowing some students to drift away is really partially our fault, if we allow it. Circulating in the room, asking questions, and involving students in discussions are some of the ways that work and student tend to enjoy.
Barry Westling
If a student is off task I usually address them individually...they may just be having a bad day or a problem at home. I try to appease to the visual learner as well and I don't just stand up in the front of the room and lecture. I always try to show something on the projector or have a handout to go along with what we are doing. I have found if the students are doing more than just listening, it keeps their attention.
Adonis,
Right. The key is to keep interest, attention and focus, with the understanding that equipped with thes attributes, instructors will be better able to convey the needed information to a receptive audience.
Barry Westling
I prefer to use videos and visuals that are more interesting than verbal lecture. Also, group work assignments keep students more engaged and promote participation.
Maria,
I agree, and think group discussions are a great way to engage, and stimulate students into thinking about their subject while making it a little more interactive.
Barry Westling
One strategy is to break the students up in groups and have them compete with other groups.
Wendy,
This is nice and a friendly way to address a common occurrence. It true, we expect the full attention of our students, but there are many reasons why it may appear they aren't paying attention, least among them is intentional rudeness.
Barry Westling
Zachary,
The good thing about discussions is it involves and engages students, gets them thinking, and if planned well reinforces some portion of the content pertinent to the current lesson. Students usually become a bit more interested in discussions and with improved interest, improved learning outcomes are likely.
Barry Westling
I have to agree that many times students go off-task due to a wide variety of reasons. But I first self-access. What about the lesson & its delivery method may have caused this? How many are off-task? Are they seated near each other & could this be nothing more than student to student conversation when one gets lost and asks their neighbor for help? ( You should know that I never assume a student is being rude. They would have to put that in my face before I'd consider addressing it.)
If a student is being asked questions by another that has gotten lost and is now off-task I may stop and ask if anyone has any questions at this point? I will support that with, "I bet something isn't clear, please ask questions because there are probably others who have the same questions ad when I answer your questions, I'm helping those who don't feel comfortable raising their hands in class."
W.H.
