Long Class
I currently teach a 4 1/2 hour class on Monday nights. I try to mix the class up with lectures, videos, breaks and discussion; but I still begin to lose most students after 3 hours. Any advice??
I teach of four hours classes. The first half of the class will be lecture driven, and the next half of the class with group activities or movies related to the instruction topics and ends in an overall discussion.
I teach an 8 hour class twice a week. The students are so tired after lunch that it's difficult to keep them engaged. I avoid video presentations in the afternoon and try to do most of the lab time and any hands on projects then. Other suggestions?
I teach a three hour lab, then three hour lecture course three days a week and by the time the 6th hour rolls around, my students are done. I am unable to switch the lab time around as we use special equipment and share the lab with other classes. How do you keep them alert for that last hour?
I teach a class that is 5 hours long with a short break. I always tell my students at the begining of class that they can get up at any time and move around alittle if needed. This does seem to help and often I have to suggest they get up. Also mixing up diffrent media always helps
Ashton,
You are doing the right things by offering change of pace and variety. I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I understand the challenges you are facing because I have them as well.
Gary
Gary,
It sure does because other wise it is going to be a very loooooooong class.
Gary
I have long classes as well and I feel like sometimes I lose them as well but going over all of this is helping me to learn how to make sure I keep them engaged with the class. I try to make sure I put them in groups for things so I will just have to sit down and figure out where I can put that into play more.
This definitely makes it more fun and meaningful.
Sometimes I have assign groups of students to create their own study games as a project. We use those games to study. The group must present the game, including rules, and monitor the playing of the game as well. They seem to learn just as much creating the game as they do playing!!!
Vincent,
This is the same schedule I have I teach from 4 until 10 pm. So I understand the challenges you are facing. In addition to the methods you are using I would use small groups to work on problem situations, role play or whatever would be appropriate for the class. These types of changes in the flow of the class really help keep them engaged.
Gary
Sounds like your doing everything that I would, maybe you could do a jeopardy every now and then...I always find them to be really fun and students love them because they serve as a great review!
