Getting students "turned on" to learning
Although many instructors go above and beyond to get their students exicted about learning it can still be difficult to get everyone on board and wanting to learn. Besides the suggestions offered in this module (e.g. relating new content to the chosen career, multimodal learning, various methods of instruction etc.) what can an instructor do to get students engaged?
Hi Al:
Sometimes the instructor's attitude can influence student interest.
One thing to keep in mind is the idea of BALANCE when discussing or thinking about personality in the classroom. If there is too much of any personality style, be it too humorous, or too strict, etc., this may serve only to distract the student from a full understanding of the course material.
Regards, Barry
Hi Ronald:
Keep in mind the idea of BALANCE when discussing or thinking about personality in the classroom. If there is too much of any personality style, be it too humorous, or too strict, etc., this may serve only to distract the student from a full understanding of the course material.
Regards, Barry
Classroom teaching is an art form. Often you can get everyone engaged, but now and then we lose someone. Sometimes the best teaching efforts are ineffective if a student is distracted by personal issues and problems. The key is to stay connected with your students and be aware of their thoughts and feelings. Change styles, speed up, slow down, move around, take a break... if all else fails, bring cookies.
Al Sharon
An instructor needs to recognize that many factors could be playing a role, including himself/herself, course content, learning style, personal issues, etc. Through personal but subtle approaches and varying things in the class, especially FUN activities which require involvement of all, this can be reduced.
Hi Viginia:
Simulation training is becoming almost ubiqutous in many medical training programs. These foster critical thinking, opportunity practice, realistic skill testing, and even substitution for bedside instructional time (a small percentage only).
I agree students like stories and will remember the point made when it's associated with some past situation, experience, or problem that exemplifies the teaching point the teacher is making (sometimes the student remembers the story better than the instructional point!).
Regards, Barry
I teach nursing---there is so much opportunity for the instructors to use many different types of learning tools to keep the students attention. Lecture has to be done---but examples from real life helps. They love hearing stories --- as long as it pertains to the topic at hand and does not take away from the time needed for content covering, and discussion of the content. We have a lot of "demo" manikins and these are getting more and more realistic. These help a great deal.
Hi Ian:
Turned on is easier if students see there's something they value in it for them. If we can create activities and lessons that inspire, keep attention, and relate to job readiness, students will focus and do better. And there are a gazillion ways to inspire and motivate. Just need to get creative.
Regards, Barry
It is very important to get students 'turned on' to learning. Students must take ownership of their learning. I think back to my days as a beginner student (seems like I am a lifelong student now!) and how I did not put a lot of effort into learning grammar or a lot of other basics of writing. And yet when I decided I wanted to be a writer those things became of paramount importance. I took ownership of learning the basics so I could get beyond the basics. So getting the students 'turned out' could be more than half the battle.
Hi Sarah:
I think when a student see's there's some benefit to them, they will be more likely to tune in, show interest, and pay attention. If that's missing, everything just seems boring, and student performance drops. So, find out what interests each student, and tailor your class to those interests (as much as possible).
Regards, Barry
