teaching techniques
students get distracted really easy, how we keep them awake and interested in the subject?
I continually walk aroud the classroom to position myself closer to the students. They never know where I will end up. One of my favorite activities is to ask a question, turn my back to the class, and throw the dry erase marker over my shoulder. Whoever catches it comes to the board or answers the question. Then they get to do the same thing for the next question. Sure keeps people awake!
Ivy Joy,
This is very important because they need to see application and relevancy to what they are being taught.
Gary
Show them examples that will relate to the real world practice and will interest them.
I teach basic science classes in the Massage Therapy and Dental Hygiene Programs. It's hard to avoid lectures in the sciences but I do keep them short with no more than 20 - 30 minutes of PowerPoint slides with lots of pictures and few words.
Lecture is followed by going through a study guide that I do with the students. The study guide emphasizes the key points of the lecture. It also keeps students awake as they are writing down the key points as I write them on the board.
The study guide is usually followed by review questions that I hand out and let the students do either individually or in groups. I will go to each group or individual and help with any questions that they can't answer. This also allows me to note who is actually doing the questions and who is not. After 15 - 20 minutes we go over the questions together.
If I am teaching massage therapy students I usually use Massage Prep, which is an online simulation of massage therapy board exam questions. This reminds students that they will need to pass a state-issued board exam in order to practice massage therapy.
If I'm teaching Anatomy or Kinesiology I might use Anatomy Arcade (http://www.anatomyarcade.com/), which includes online games like 'Whack a Bone' or 'Poke a Muscle'.
During the last 30 - 40 minutes of class we will do a PowerPoint review of key points. Questions are projected and students answer aloud. Answers appear showing if they responded with the correct answer.
Hi Maria,
There are many ways to keep students engaged in the learning process. What are some of the strategies you have used that have been successful? Have you used case studies, role playing, student presentations, learning groups and panels?
Gary
