I try to break the class up into lecture, demonstration and then give them opportunities to practice various skills. I share experiences that I have had that are relevant to what is being covered and I encourage the students to share . In addition, I welcome questions & comments , hold Q&A sessions, and randomly provide scenarios to enhance critical thinking and practical application of what has been covered in the unit being taught or to serve as a review as we proceed through the unit. IF I note student(s) holding back or becoming disengaged, I prompt/pull the student(s) into participation --since I have discovered that sometimes students will hold back and allow others to "lead" or they will "wait to be asked" or instructed personally to participate. If the disinterest/disengagement continues, then I meet with the student to discuss it and try to determine if there's an underlying cause or issue and proceed accordingly. I have had success with this technique and have managed to be a positive influence on students who suffered from low self-esteem or who were "used to" being told what to do and when to do it. I also repeatedly remind my students of the significance or relevance of what is being taught or what they are expected to accomplish during the course-- it's amazing the difference I see, once they see the relevance.
Positive reinforcement and developing interesting questions for them to answer. ~ Sandra
Thanks for your insight Gary. This works like a charm. ~ Sandra
I like to give real world examples and have students respond using the information we just went over during the lecture. They like immediately applying that information to a new set of facts.
Hi Sandra,
This is a good way to keep your class current plus increase the interest in the content. When your students know you have brought in the latest about the field they know they are learning from someone who whats to share content that will help the move forward in their education.
Gary
Thanks Gary, exactly what's not to like when you are being rewarded for your passion!
~ Sandra
I develop open-ended questions to elicit responses. I also like to bring in current events to highlight the topic under discussion. ~ Sandra
Hi Rebekah,
This is very important to do because it helps the students to "connect the dots" between what they are studying and how it is going to apply to their future careers.
Gary
I always try and bring the course content back to the students’ own personal stories and life experiences – if they can personalize the material they will take ownership in the material and stay involved.
Practicing Demonstrations, mini lectures, field trips, guess speakers, and Videos.
Hi Kelly,
As a courtesy you could tell the class that you will be taping the class and if anyone has a problem with being tape they should let you know. Then you could talk with that student individually about their concerns and get their approval or make sure they are not in any of the scenes. This is based upon you using the tape in your class. If you are going to use the tape with other classes then you will need to send a release sheet around to the students and have them sign it or not.
My experience with this has always been good. I have never had a student have a problem with being taped. In fact they forget that they are being taped once the class starts and they get into the discussion.
Gary
Hi Lori,
All of the deliveries you mentioned lead to a number of different approaches that help to appeal to the different learning preferences in the class. All of these forms of learning deliveries get the students involved and excited about the what they can and are learning. Good job.
Gary
I approach class from a discussion style.
That is to say, that I drop a topic or two for discussion, and await for class response.
There are times when the class may need alittle more prompting, but once the discussion begins, the students provide insight and personal experiences that often help others grasp the material.
I know that there are ways I could improve this particular aspect, and I think recording a class or two could benefit me greatly.
Question though on video tapping a class; would I need to get signed consent from the students?
One of the main factors in successfully engaging students is to enforce upon your class that you love your subject and want to share it with them. The more enthused you are, the more engaged they will be. Also, the use of technology helps. Take virtual field trips with the students to help them in their retention of the subject matter. Quiz games also help retention in a fun way.
Lori
I am going to follow the suggestion of starting of a lecture in a different way each time. I like the idea of starting with a challenge question, or a quote etc. Variety will engage students.
Switching teaching methods. Go from lecture to active example presentations.
Hi Denise,
Well said. When you show students application and relevancy you are "connecting the dots" for them between the classroom and their lives. This helps them to be able to transfer their newly acquired knowledge and skills to their futures.
Gary
Hi Brandi,
I think you will find that you get better retention of content with the mini-lectures along with higher engagement. By lecturing and then using the new information through discussions or Q&A sessions the students get to use the information quickly after receiving it. This really helps them to store it in their working memories.
Gary
I also feel that mini lectures are a great idea. Students tend to have a very short attention span when they feel the material is not something that they need to know. I feel giving them brief lectures and perhaps a small quiz is a very useful tool for helping students with the class material.
I try to make the course content relavant to the students. They are all there for career advancement and opportunity and I try to capitalize on that when I lecture and plan my lessons for that class. I find that they respond better to the material when I can make it mean something to them. I like to put forth real world appilcation and exercises going on in the real current business event situations. SHow them how the theory being taught will be used in real world models and situations.
