keeping the class alive from beignning to end
I find that giving a real good presentation to the class will keep tem alive until the end. Asking questions before the lecture starts is a good way to get their attention. Focusing questions on real world situations tht involve class room lecture can create a open question through out the class time. Also in the middle of lectures, asking open questions to students will also keep the alert and focused on the lecture which detour them from sleeping and playing in the class room. Finally, go back and ask the questions through out the lecture to see if anyone have obtained any knowledge from it.
Terry I also Have to agree with you. I taught Anatomy at one point and found that stopping lecture and having students write down questions helped to keep the students focused and it also helps those students who have a difficult time staying on track, but are timid to speak out and verbalize it.
I also like to ask questions when I lecture just to ensure people are paying attention. In addition I generally add stories from real life experiences I have had with the content being discussed. This enhances the lecture and applies it to real life scenarios that the students seem to be able to put to life.
I belive class interaction to be one of the best ways to keep your class alert and involved an it helps them to feel like part of the group. Another good way to keep them alert is class control as far as walking around while lecturing and make them think it is very interesting through your voice and stories.
Vicki,
Enjoyed reading your response. Do you think that the instructor should be an entertainer ?
HR
A good presentation really starts when you were able to stimulate the enthusiasm of a student. By making them involve in open class discussion by throwing a few questions that would entice them to participate. And it is our primary duty to have them still in check. At the end of the class instructor must have a summary of what has been accomplish for the whole day of lecture.
Keeping the class alive from beginning to end starts with the educator and ends with the educator. I agree that your opening has to be one of interest to your class, be it real life situations to a wow factor. It's always good to open with a dynamic statement ending in a question. Then go through your lecture but before lecture ends answer the question you opened with. It has always worked for me.
Hi Terry,
Thanks for sharing your questioning technique with the participants. This is another way you can keep your students focused and engaged in the learning process. Keep up the good work.
Gary
It can also be used to get back the attention of someone who seems to be loosing interest or drifting off. Just ask thatstudent about the material just covered and most of them will be so embarrassed that they will start paying attention again.
I agree that stopping during lecture and asking questions is very effective at keeping students focused. But from time to time I'll stop and ask the students to write down a question from the subject matter being instructed, and pass them forward without their name on it...then I quickly go through them and answer them if they apply to the subject matter...then continue my lecture.
