Keeping the students involved is both important and difficult. I found that a good technique is to incorporate small group activities that require the students to get out of their seats and move to another location to join a group. The minute or so it takes to do this not only gives them freedom to move about and awaken their senses but provides an opportunity for a quick chat with peers.
Mary,
Unless something is extremely interesting, mosty adults attention span is very short - less than 1/2 hour (source Indiana University Teaching Manual, 2010). So breaking the class session into segments is a great way to keep attention and focus. I think using a variety of learning resources, and alternating delivery methods, as you describe, helps keep the mind directed and on task. Also, I think keeping the topics related to the field or profession being taught is always a great way to reengage distracted students.
Barry Westling
