I like to use questioning and /or examples of how the material I am covering may impact their daily lives. I will solicit related personal experiences or current events to get them re- focused. I will also switch gears if necessary with an activity/project that aligns with objectives that was prepared in advance.
Daniel ,
Students need to feel there is something of benefit for their attention to stay focused. Stories, activities, movement.... these are some things I do to keep the flow going.
Barry Westling
When my class goes off topic I either let them take a quick 5 minute break to “reset†the environment. Also if I notice that the students are getting of topic I will have them stop lecture or whatever they are doing and have my students start a hands on lab.
Eric,
Sometimes it only takes putting a student in the spotlight for a moment to get them refocused, such as by asking directed questions. Most students will get the message if this action is repeated a few times.
Barry Westling
I engage them in the discussion and have them give me there options.
Patricia,
Often, reengagement takes only a simple action, such as asking specific students specific questions, having specific students read from a segment of their textbook -- actions that subtlety suggest it's time to be focused. Another simple technique is to stop whatever is going on, step to another location in the classroom, and have students listen to a story, something about the work setting. Students like stories and will nearly always pay attention afterwards.
Barry Westling
when students get off task, one way is re engage them is to provide an activity, usually a case study or game (jeporady). how many back up plans should you have in case these two doesnt work.
when students get off task, one way is re engage them is to provide an activity, usually a case study or game (jeporady). how many back up plans should you have in case these two doesnt work.
Daniel,
This sounds like a great activity, especially the reflecting and passing on for peer reaction. Sometimes students get distracted and just need a nudge, like asking a question, having everyone stand, or sharing an example from the work setting. Students like stories, and this little bit can be enough to refocus the class.
Barry Westling
If i'm seeing students straying from the lesson, I'll try to incorporate some sort of practical exercise. I like to ask them to all write an examlple of the current information in their line of work. that takes a few minutes of time to do and they end up reflecting on experience as well as the lesson. Then we'll pass them to a different student and they'll have to react to the situation as if it was theres.
Eugene,
Also, there are the momentary disengaged -- students who are distracted by... whatever. Our charge in this instance is to get them refocused. Asking questions, getting students moving about, changing the format, all of these simple strategies are usually successful for reengagement. When that is not the case, more formal discussion with disruptive students may be needed.
Barry Westling
I have found that there is always at least two students who have difficulty in staying engaged. Most often they "find each other." Usually you can identify who these students will be in the beginning week of the class. In most cases it stems from a lack of preparation at home on their part. They are not completing the reading or the take home assignments. These are my usually less motivated students, with unclear priorities of there role within the school. I have found that be conducting a get acquainted segment within the first day where I ask the students what their future plans for themselves are, what cooking they do currently or their favorite type of food to cook and or eat is a good tool to sorting these students out. I usually try to engage these students on a one to one conversation during breaks as well as begin to know what their reactions to different forms of discussions will be. By letting them know that I have taken an interest in them they will often be more likely to sit down with me when I will untimely need to reel them back in or try to involve them in more discussion topics
Marcos,
Yeah, touching, handling, observing - this helps refocus a wandering mind.
Barry Westling
Passing around training aids is an excellent way of getting back on task and getting the student’s attention.
I think this is a good way to the the students who are one step ahead to keep them engaged. Thank you for you input
Nancy,
Sometimes students get momentarily distracted, and just need a nudge. Asking questions, requesting to summarize the past five minutes, or other similar participative strategies will often do the trick. Other times, whole change ups may be needed to refocus the class.
Barry Westling
I use a variety of activities. I use pop quizez and have students grade them and refrain form using them in a final grade.
Lea-Anne,
This could be a good strategy in some cases. I think students want (and need) direction. Too much indecision by the instructor that allows students to determine how and what will occur in a class could result in less respect and trust from the students regarding the instructors competence.
Barry Westling
I think some ways you can get students back on track would be to allow them to set the mood of the class. By this I do not by any means allow them to control the class. Give them the opportunity as to what is going to be taught on a particular day. That may be one way to keep their interest in a particular subject. Thanks!
Michael,
Great idea for longer term reengagement. Sometimes, valuable instructional time is lost because one or more students are tuned out-- for whatever reason. To keep the flow going, some methods I use are to ask questions, have students repeat what was just stated, have students come to the whiteboard to write bullet points as the instructor is talking. Activities like these put students on notice they're likely to be called on thus keeping their focus more attentive.
Barry Westling
