State changes
For the students that need to stay focused on subject how would you do state changes?
Considering that adults have an attention span of 15 to 18 minutes I find it imperative to do a state change every 15 minutes. This could include, as has already been said, telling a joke or a real life story. Sometimes a longer change is needed such as going for a walk or visiting another area of the school. I lose interest in myself well before fifteen minutes, I can imagine how students sometimes feel. Probably a better way to have a state change without wasting time is to provide some hands on activities that "wake the mind". If these activities apply to the subject then you have a win - win situation.
We need to remember that State Changes can be a multitude of things. They can be a literal change of state from sitting to standing or being in the classroom and moving to the lab environment, or something simple like relating a story to the class (hopefully it ties into the material you're presenting - but it doesn't have to). I think sometimes we can have a tendency to hear "catch phrases" like State Change and feel like it has to be this great grandiose wonderful thing...and at times it does, but more times than not, it doesn't.
Keeping students alert during a long power point presentation is a monumental challange. I have students read the power point (loud and clear for all to hear) when it becomes obvious the tone of my voice is putting them to sleep. When they know anyone could be called on at any time they tend to be more alert. When that doesn't work we take a five minmute walk arround the hall way,get a drink, use the restroom, do some push ups, etc. This is working very well for me at this point in time.
I agree with Oneil state changes work well to keep the students intreasted in the course material
State change is good keeps the students alert and awake !!!
Tell a joke or make a funny comment while lecturing typically has a good effect on helping them from getting overwhelmed with the information being disseminated. Something has to be done every 15 to 20 minutes in order to get their attention and keep their minds busy. I try to incorporate some kind of activity related to the subject being discussed that day in order to keep “changing states” as often as possible.
Robert If I understand your question state change is how you change the flow of your class lecture and hands on work. If this is done right the class stays in tune with there subject alert and involved. I use there interaction and questions along with my voice and body language both in labs and classroom settings
Hi Robert,
I'm not exactly clear on the question you are asking. Can you expand on the question and then I will get a response right back to you?
Gary
Hi Robert,
California to Texas is the ultimate state change. Some people do California to Illinois, but I think Texas is better.
marty
