Reading your audience
Understand when the students have heard you leacture enough...
Vanessa,
This is tough situation as you integrate students with different knowledge levels into a course. Your strategies are right on so keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
During an especially long or terminology based lecture (I teach veterinary assisting), I've see those eyes glaze over and the phones being checked and simultaneously I have the furious note takers writing down every last comment. It seems like both are not really engaged in the content. I try to pose a lot "why" questions or discuss what they think their role would be in the case or disease presented. I still struggle to get my new students to talk or ask questions if I am not engaging them directly. I teach a differentiated class so I struggle to introduce new material as clearly as possible and challenge my older students with material they may have covered previously in a more expanded format.
I look for things like them starting to play with their phones (despite the fact they are not supposed to). Yawning, just not paying attention in general. So what I do is have a break and then try to switch gears after break if I can.
As an instructor it is important to not only read your students, body language, engagement, interest, but also to know the level they learn at. In teaching a variety of ages is is important to know that what is an easy learning style for one student is not the same as the other. In the younger generation language is sometimes a barrier, proper English and reading levels seem to be lower then even graduates from 5-10 years ago. In the older population social media, internet, and computer usage can be a harder angle. It is important as a teacher to combine a teaching skill that the most basic student can understand but also does not offend the other students.
I can always tell when my students get bored or have had
Enough of lecturing by reading their body language. I
Observe my students yawning, putting heads down,
Frequent trips to the bathroom. Everything in front of them on
The desk becomes interesting except my lecture. That is when
We take a break and move on to something tactile. Ex
A training aid or something else.
Sonya,
By "reading" your students you are able to customize your approach and thus make sure you are appealing to that group of students. You are right each class takes on a personality of its own and instructors need to adapt to that personality if they are going to be effective.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am always looking for body language and facial expressions with my students. I also get my students involved with topic of discussion asking questions about their life experiences. Some students are more quiet than others and that may indicate to me they are just processing what is being talked about. If they are not comfortable sharing in class, I will have them write it down so that I know they are getting it.
As an instructor, you will notice that everyone of your classes are taught differently based on the students.
I look at the student's body language and facial expressions to see if they are interested in the lecture.
I try to get the students talking if I noticed I am losing them.
Jared,
What are some signs you look for to determine this?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
