I use short lectures and lots of hands on work. I teach various computer programming language courses and find that the hands on approach along with numerous examples of programs that I have written and are used on a regular basis work the best for me. Since I am a working computer programmer with almost 40 years of experience I find that short working examples with many opportunities for students to ask questions are the best approach to keep students engaged.
I have the issue of having a class which is 5.5 hours long - so I do struggle with keeping them engaged especially since it is a night class and ends at 10pm. I 'm tired so I know they're tired as well. Part of our class time is lab time - but we work with animals and I can't overwhelm the animals either. So that becomes tough to keep students engaged. I would be grateful for any suggestions possible. I've been teaching for 6 years now - but never a class that is this long.
My summer course is a 4 hour marathon and keeping learners focused is the biggest challenge. One tool they enjoy is "Show and Tell". We study key concepts in interpersonal relations by 1-2 students each class period bringing a video clip/You Tube piece to class. It is almost always humorous (except the video from the Marine vet who served in Iraq). The students shares how they interpret this and connect to our learning objectives.
I'm right there with you LC .... always better the second time i teach the course.
Hi Veronica,
The change of pace and the student discussions of ways to keep students engaged and focused. You are right on with your approaches and this I am sure makes for a most rewarding class for your students.
Gary
I find Questioning the students on covered topics to be a great way of gauging if they are comprehending the material being presented.
Hi Perry,
You are right about the need for variety in your instructional delivery. Students need a change of pace in the flow of the class and by using the different techniques that you are you are allowing them to shift their minds and apply their newly acquired knowledge in a practical setting.
Gary
I lecture for a while, then I do a hands on assignment. I have them break up into groups and ask questions of each other and come up with questions for the whole class for discussions. This stratagy works well in my Law and Ethics class. Different opinions, and very good arguments. Keeps the class motivated and stimulated.
Other than lecture, which can become boring for a student, I like to use scenarios for the students to respond to. Such as, "What would happen if....." and then open the floor up for discussion and brainstorming. I also use "hands on" material for my students.
I agree, mini-lectures are very useful in keeping students engaged in the classroom. In addition, I think classroom activities that allow the students the opportunity to engage in cooperative learning and peer learning is useful as well.
I stop my lecture to ask students questions about what has been covered, another way is by asking questions before I start a new topic and get different asnswers, this allow me to have sense of the general understanding of the subject taught
My experience has been that career college students are focused on practical application of what they learn (often unlike students in four year colleges) so I give my students assignments to complete tasks very similar to ones that I myself had completed in the type of workplace that they are developing skills to move into themselves. Simply having them learn but not apply allows their minds to wander. Having them learn to apply keeps them focused on learning the material and keeps them engaged in learning.
Mini lectures (I try to plan short lectures; sometimes they become a bit long), small group discussions, and sorting activities (i.e., place the effective sentences in one category and the ineffective sentences in another. Then, turn and talk with a neighbor. If there is disagreement, problem-solve until you both come to agreement.). My favorite though, was a debate we had last week to prepare for the argument paper. A much more engaging way to identify effective persuasive techniques (and brainstorm essay topics, too)!
Hi Tracy,
Welcome to the profession. I wish you much success in your teaching career. With your great attitude and desire to share with your students you are going to have success from the very beginning. If you have any questions or if I can be of help to you please let me know.
Gary
I would combine mini-lectures with powerpoint along with practical applications. This way the verbal learners are being reached along with the visual learners during the mini-lectures. Then the tactile learners are being reached during the hands-on practical application.
I am a new instructor, never taught before in a class room setting. I feel that it is important to use a varity of the ideas, especially the mini lectures to keep students engaged.
I have to say that for me that is a bet challinging to do mostly when I am covering Anatomy, I find myself to be very exated about it but my student end up loosing their focus.
I a couple occasion I did stop the Lecture and give them a 3 minutes of break, asking them to walk out the class room change air and atmosfer.
It simce to work.
I think mini lectures is a great idea. I tend to forget this when I have a lot of material to present. This is a method I will employ and encourage my teachers to use.
By keeping the class interesting by using various means, i.e projects, educational games where students team up and compete with one another, by asking them how they would handle specific situations, have them role play in a case study, or interview. Action seems to be the key to keep students on there toes. To make a class engaging students have to be engaged.
I try to keep my students engaged with the topics by making the topics interesting. sometimes I tell them an interesting story regarding the topic that I personally experienced during my years at my job.
