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The information I covered is very indepth, but very important. Like any other fiels each class builds off the knowledge given in the previous class, but I continue to have people fall asleep (or taking some Zzzz's) in the class. I have left the lights on during lectures I have done group assignments, I've walked around the class, changed my pitch and or tone and even spoken to those students separately. Are there any other suggestions to get students awake, interested and motivated in class?
I agree, sometimes students get tired during long classes.
Hi Angela,
Thank you for sharing these strategies with us. I know they will be of value to other instructors as they strive to keep students engaged.
Gary
Hi Robert,
Good way to meet the challenge of sleepy students. I teach night classes so I have a lot of activities in my classes where my students move to different learning groups. In addition I change the pace of the class so I can keep them engaged and focused until 10:00 p.m.
Gary
I wouls suggest having as many interactive group activities as possible. These activities would get them further motivated, wake them up, and help them to think outside the box. In addition, I have also counted against a student's attendance when they sleep in class. While their body is in the room, their mind is definitely not there if they are sleeping. If they ever get upset about this, I point out a reality check: "What do you think would happen if your employer saw that you were sleeping on the job? Would you be keeping that job for very long if you didn't improve?"
Jessica,
Have you ever tried a "learning break"? They are much like the small breaks you experience in these online courses, wherein you as the instructor stop lecturing over the topic material for the day, and play a short game or try engaging the students in a class discussion about something that will peak their interest. The learning break doesn't have to last long, maybe 5 or 10 minutes, but it is something that often times will bring your students back to life. It might even re-energize you because you will see the students interacting where they might have been silent (or asleep) before.
I hope this works for you.
Good luck!
There are times students are just tired, working two jobs, family at home,etc. I even find my self getting drowsy at seminars that I am really interested in. I will also walk around the room making eye contact touching a shoulder will bring them back.
Hi Jessica,
Can you move the students around during the class? Can you cover content for 20 minutes and then put them into work groups? This way they have to physically move to another location for group work. Then you can do more lecture and then put them into different groups. By changing the pace of the class as well as their location in the classroom you will be able to keep the blood flowing.
Gary
