Maintaning the students attention.
While lecturing, call on individual students, at random, by asking a question. This should keep students on their toes knowing that anyone of them could asked at any time.
Hi Hans,
Good strategy for getting the students involved. You have them sharing their knowledge plus keep them engaged since at times they are looking for answers as well.
Gary
I agree that asking students questions during lecture is a good way to keep students awake and focused. Sometimes I will even ask a general question on the topic and if no one knows, have them find the answer in the course book while giving them and small incentive for the first student to give the correct answer.
I agree that randomly asking questions both during and after the presentation can help to hold the students attention. It can often be quite competitive as to who knows the answer.
First of all,the word "lecture" should be gone. I use "lets all do the presentation" and go on that premise instead of having to listen to a lecturer, be part of the instructors presentation
and having the word fun involved is big part and will keep interest of the students. I don't like to single a person out with a question, especially if he/she are paying attention. There are a lot of shy/timid students that do not want to be called upon. If there is a "sleeper", I might call on them just as a way to wake 'em up,but not to embarass too much
Hi Marcelo,
Thanks for sharing this strategy I know it will be of benefit to our participants.
Gary
Another way to mantain the students attention is by asking them directly during a demo; why you do this in this particular way or form. This allows you to realize if they are focused and also if they understand the topic you are demonstrating as well.
I try to incorporate short videos clips into my lectures to break them up and present information in a different way. Youtube is a good place to find short clips on a wide variety of topics, and they are easy to pull up if you are already using a computer for Power Point. My school also has a decent film library.
Hi Marco,
Diversity of delivery is one of the key ways of maintaining student interest. Look for different ways of sharing course content, giving demonstrations and assessing your students. Break you students into learning groups, have competitions between the groups and target special days for activities. All of these things will help the students to focus their attention on the course.
Use "ice breakers" to start the course. These techniques will help you to get to know your students better so you can target their learning preferences. Also, develop mini-lectures and then activities so your students don't have to concentrate for long periods of time. Use the content, application cycle. This will help to keep the students engaged and show them relevance of content.
Gary
What are some tips you recommend for a new instructor to help maintain students interest?
I use this technique daily, the students have come to expect it form me. The stay focused and know that when I ask a question it has a good chance of being seen on a quiz or test.
I also ask questions about thier own experience with a subject and open the floor to discussion.
Hi Scott,
This is an approach that I use and I find it very helpful. Glad to hear that it is working for you and your students.
Gary
I will call on a student to give a breif analogy of what he or she just heard in a lecture and to explain it to the class. If there is any misinformation we talk about it as a group until all are satisfied with the outcome or will give a breif demo to coincide with the information.
I like to break up my lectures into shorter segments . I will break away from the lecture for some hands on activities. I also use the technique of calling on students to answer a question.
I do like this explanation above, I do find that calling on student sduring lectures or demonstration that they will pay more attention. Also giving a pop quiz helps as well
