Engaging students
To engage the students I ask them specific questions related to something they shared with the class such as there current job, and ask them for specific examples. This motivate other students to share their job related issues. This creates an active discussion related to the subject matter.
Sue,
I do to. I think humor is a way to get students to relax and become part of the learning community. A shared laugh goes a very long way in getting students settled into a class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like the idea of using humor as a connection between instructor and student. I am interested in receiving student feedback to evaluate myself as a new instructor.
Glen,
Great to hear of your early success as a new instructor. You are doing a number of good things to generate engagement and interaction with your students. Keep up the good work and I wish you continued returns from all your efforts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
As a new clinical instructor, engaging students is a challenge. I read several books on techniques/modalities that I can apply in the clinical settings and the feedback I got from my students were so far satisfactory. In the morning I made sure that I have prepared my clinical focus including the objectives so the students know the parameters of their learning. I also imbibe humor during pre and post conferences. Strategies like case studies for post conferences intensify their participation and help process their critical thinking. These practices so far helped me especially during post-conferences when the students are already disinterested and tired. It helped them refocus their attention.
It's a challenge to engage students when your class is from 6pm to 10pm. Especially when these students worked before coming to class. They are all worn out, hungry and perhaps half of their brain is already on sleep mode.
Just like you, I always start with a brief explanation of what topic(s) or activity we would all be doing even though it's already in their course outline or calendar. I try to avoid lecturing every time and when I do lecture, I'd always make sure to incorporate some clinical experiences pertaining to the topic and encourage students with medical background to share their experiences as well. This seems to encourage lively discussion and sharing. Students also do group presentations as well.
It is true that not all students are alike. Some are very easy to teach, some are just plain difficult. Being a novice instructor, I am very eager to learn more about teaching.
Engaging students can be so challenging at 8 a.m. on a Monday morning! I typically start with conversations about the topic we will be discussing, giving examples, sharing stories. Asking questions typically leaves the room very silent. After we have talked about what they already know about the topic, then we go into the power points and lecture.
