Get Your Students Hired
I agree, sometimes we get so involed in the class assignment that we forget about the time and before I know it, it is time to dismiss class. But then again I some classes that if I forget to give a break the students will remind me that they need a break. I think it really depends on the students and how well you are prepared. Shirley Cross
Hi Joe,
I commend you for being able to hold your students' attention for a couple of hours. The average student is able to stay fixed for about 5 minutes without drifting off. This is why it is good to move around the class so when the students shift their eyes to you they are in fact refocusing their thoughts. Adults can keep their attention focused for about 15 minutes before they need an activity. So a mini-lecture and then an activity is a good way to keep students engaged. As for breaks there is no set time. I to teach classes in 3 hour blocks and I break every 50 minutes approximately. This all depends on what I am doing in terms of class activities. Some class nights lend themselves to going a bit longer and others I have to break at 30-35 minutes. I just read the body language and the eyes of my students.
Gary