Re-Engaging students
I think this module is very interesting. This is a problem that usually you just try and "deal" with. There are many techniques to re-engage a student and I think this module did a really good job at giving some techniques and ideas. There are so many variables when it comes to this topic. So many students have short attention spans, due to the bombardment of the media, videos, video games, etc. they want immediate gratification when it comes to grades and getting the class over with. It is a challenge to be engaging and also educational. It can be done, I am encouraged that we will keep looking for ideas and ways to engage our students.
Sarah
Bette,
Good idea. My method along these lines is to ask something like " who has seen...xyz" or "who knows something about...xyz". I choose who I want to answer so more engagement by the entire class is possible. More frequently, I'll ask specific students questions, randomly, to check for understanding. If too many cannot answer, I know I need to back up and review a bit more.
Barry Westling
I find that engaging students in a topic they are interested or have spent a lot of course time in and that opens the door for further conversation.
Catherine,
Class control and adherence to standards can be a constant challenge. I believe students will behave to the extent their instructor allows it. So, I maintain a more rigid structure, and the occasionally deviate to add some levity. Doing the reverse has not proven successful.
Barry Westling
At times an instructor can spend so much time attempting to reengage one or two students that valuable instruction time is lost and content is poorly covered. I have learned to judge the overall attentive level in my classroom. If students as a whole are disengaged, then it's time to turn to plan B. If it is one or two students out of 30, then it's time to speak privately to these students.
Jennifer,
For me, reengaging also implies getting students back on track who may be distracted, confused, bored, unprepared, ill, or one of a dozen other reasons to not be paying attention. So some simple actions (like asking specific students questions) can put the students on guard that they may be called upon. Even just having the students stand and stretch can be enough to get things back on track.
Barry Westling
Re-engaging is vital but it's also important that the students have the knowledge so that when they re-engage they feel successful in their learning.
Sarah,
Yeah, lots of reasons students lose interest or are distracted (illness, finanicial worries, childcare, not interested, not prepared, don't understand, tired, etc). So you're right, identification of why is part of the answer as to how to re-engage.
Barry Westling
