Engaging Students
I hate to see a glazed-over look on my audience's faces, so I try to prepare a lot and ahead of time, and always inject humor where applicable/appropriate. I love using the TED videos to inspire my classes to think about events and situations OUTSIDE of the classroom and away from our small, isolated little valley in Western Colorado. I keep my energy level high and use periodic group or independent processing and application assignments to renew my own energy and get them thinking about the topic. I have learned many tricks from others, and these seem to be the most important. Mix it up, keep it relevant. Make it FUN!
Damona,
Are there special projects you can assign to this group of students? Can they do demonstrations or make presentations for which they would have to prepare material? This way they are into the content at a deeper level and as a result maybe this time through they will be able to acquire enough of the needed content to successfully pass the course as well as be engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have students who have stayed in the program too long and are repeating specific subjects. They get bored with the same idea's and stories, yet the majority of the class have not had the subject yet. I try to change things up for those who are repeating the subject but I feel like I am running out of material, to keep things relevant and current. I have tried to find things on-line that I can share, and have asked students to share what they have discovered about the subject. Some days this works but not always. Any suggestions?
Pandora,
I think this is a great way to increase the value of their college education. You are showing them via their work experience how additional knowledge, credentials and skills can expand their career options. This is a great motivator for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my "career college" environment there are many students who are already engaging the outside world through current employment. I often encourage them to draw parallels between our lessons and what they experience daily on the job. Not only does it bring home the power of the lesson but also involves students in sharing the unique experiences they may have working in a different job or business than their cohorts. It creates some very interesting discussions in the classroom.
Shelby,
Your last two sentences say it all. You see the value of planning and variety in your instructional delivery. This is what keeps students engaged and wanting to come back to class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
