When i see students getting off-task i try to think of ways to get the class involved. Asking questions then having discussions. Also getting them to participate in a word search in the book. It always helps the students relax and get back to the classroom.
Hi Rhonda:
I think simple is always better than something more vigorous. One time, students seemed to be wandering while I was lecturing. In a slightly louder voice, i made the exclamation "Hey, did you know how pay difference there is for workers who practice...(what we were taliking about)?" Instantly, all ears were focused on me because I had information that was of interest to them. Then, I went back to the topic with attention by all.
Just an example of how something simple can reengage. But I know sometimes more aggressive tatics are needed, such as a change in media delivery, or, as you state, a whole different activity. Every day is diiferent - I think we need to be sensitive to the need, and be quickly responsive to it's resolution.
Reagrds, Barry
Often just a change of activity, e.g., from lecture to hands-on, re-engages the class. Also, because my field works well with right brain/left brain theory, sometimes a cross-hemisphere focus exercise is all we need.
Hi Thomas:
Good. Sound like a quick method to reengage and reset the atmosphere.
Regards, Barry
I try to go quickly to an application of the skills, a case study or "pair-share" opportunity. This can break the pattern and breakout the mood into a more positive one.
Terri:
These are all good ideas. Sometimes, just a little break, like a story, situation, or a simple "stand and strech" can break the dullness. Other ways to get back on track require more agressive measures. We may need to do some "change ups", moving from lecture to whiteboard, or from discussion to lab, or group work to question and answer. Good instructors will be sensitve to the need and be able to "seamlessly" move from one activity to another without the students even knowing that was not part of the orignal plan.
I think it's interesting, almost without fail, you can get student interest by telling a story, relating to a past experience. Simple, effective, little time wasted.
Regards, Barry
I have students that do not do as well with the lecture. So what i do is make them more active in the discussion. Ask them questions directly regarding content, split them in to small groups, discussions in small groups make them more involved regarding content. Try to change teaching methods to make material more interesting to the students who are not as engaged.
Gordon:
Whenever students are busy, engaged, and participating in their own learning, they're going to do better. Your point is a good one.
Regards, Barry
Linda:
I agree about bringing the workplace into the mix when students seem disinterested or unfocused. When they can visualize themselves actually working, earning money, and being in responsible roles, I think that can be effective in snapping a student out of their duldrums.
Regards, Barry
Some students with prior learning get bored and are easily distracted, give them a task that is a little more demanding but that you know they can handle with a little bit of coaching.
Students respond to encouragement and real world application. If a student is struggling or not interested in content provide an analogy they can use. Linking it to subject matter they are interested in can stimulate the mind. One time I had students complete a powerpoint presentation on how technology has affected an area they were interested in. Sometimes working in groups can help too.
Hi Mike:
Questioning is a good method to test if students are listening. It's a bummer when no one can answer the first, second or third question about what you've just spent time and effort teaching.
But of course, that's not always the case, and sometimes when a question is asked, it snaps students out their lull, and brings the focus back on target. Another way to do something similar is to change the pace a bit with an example or story related to your topic. This zero's in on students whose mind is wandering (most times).
Regards, Barry
Hi Detra:
Students (and people in general) like stories, especially when they're spoken with a good flow, narrative, and the audience (students) can relate (at least partially) to the material. Situations students are likely to encounter to sharing mistakes made from the teachers experience are often received very well.
The thing is, a teacher can sense students are fading, "snap them to attention" with a story, and voila, refocused and attentive. Slick!
Regards, Barry
Hi Detra:
The small group assignment to refocus students has been an effective tool for me as well. Sometimes I have to watch that students stay on target and don't get into a socializing thing. I handle that by giving specific tasks that usually have mutiple parts. I'll circulate about and assist students to assure they are working on "their" contribution to the group assignment. But overall, even if some groups get a bit chatty, as long as they are productive, this works out great.
Regards, Barry
Hi John:
Sometimes, it just takes a little bit, a story, an example, a demonstration - to refocus students getting them back on track. Other times, more assertive technioques require changing topics, giong to a lab, moving from lecture to discussion. etc. Often PPT can lull students if the material is not attrcative and interesting. Here, I go to the white board, then back and forth between white board and PPT.
Regards, Barry
I stop where I am at that time, re-enforce what I covered with a real-life example. Looking for the dawning of understanding, especially with difficult concepts. Looking for that 'Ahh' moment.
I agree. I find that most students prefer small group assignments. I have been told by students that they feel a sense of community when they are divided into smaller learning communities/groups. It makes them feel more comfortable.
One of the ways I get off-task students involved in the class is by presenting a topic of discussion that they can relate to. There is nothing like a real-life situation. This helps bridge the gap in the learning process, not to mention that is makes the class a little more enjoyable for everyone.
When students start to get off track I usually start asking questions about the material I have just covered if the students have trouble answering the questions I ask, I prompt them to the areas in the textbook where they can find the answer and the direction I want them to be headed.
Hi Timothy:
Lab projects are numerous, can be as varied as the imagination will allow, and almost always keep the students interested. I feel most classes can always benefit by giving their students more "practice" time, so, whether it's reengaging or planned as part of the class, lab activity is most always a winner activity.
Regards, Barry
