I feel these are all very helpful tools. As a new instructor, I find that I already utilize some of these tools, but need to fine-tune them and make the classroom flow a lot smoother.
To keep students engaged in learning, instructor must consider the variety of learning strategies.
I use a variety of strategies to help students learn. Before the class, each student is to read the assigned chapters and complete a Take Home Quiz. During class, I often begin with an interactive lecture to present key concepts and information to the students. Sometimes, I will give them self-inventories to complete, so they can better understand their communication strengths and weaknesses. After the interactive lecture and/or inventory, if appropriate, I sometimes show a video. Finally, I often break the students into group for group activities/exercises. My goal is to use as many teaching techniques as possible to reach the different learning styles.
I intermix powerpoint with problems. I ask the students questions to get them engaged and to help show the relevancy of the material. I also have the class pair up sometimes and present a problem to the class and take questions as well as have them attempt a problem individually and then discuss the problem together as a class.
I use a variety of strategies to keep my students engaged in many of my lectures. I usually lecture at the beginning of my class for 45 minutes, stopping periodically to engage students in review collaborations. I might ask them to discuss one point that they learned with the classmate sitting beside them. Sometimes I divide them into groups, assigning each group a topic to discuss. This proves very helpful in terms of the students' ability to read,discuss,and understand complex theory. Some do better than others, but they get the opportunity to step into the role of teacher. I find sending students to the white board to write what they have learned is an excellent way to observe students who are able to apply and retain word problems and write short explanations of different concepts.
I review students for exams by dividing them into teams and we play quiz bowl (the goal is to see how much information students retain by answering questions). I find that most students prefer this method of review rather than a lecture again. A complilation of various type of learning styles coupled with lecture is a sound basis for me to see what kind of learning tools may help students learn and have fun at the same time.
I pause every 15 minutes or so to check in with the class by asking questions, summarizes, ask for input and/or examples. I allow for a 5 minutes break every hour.
Frankly, if I was in a class where I needed to be bribed to participate, I would feel demeaned. If the material is interesting enough, I am going to participate by asking questions, etc.
I feel that the trick is to challenge the students intellectually and to get the class comfortable enough that they WANT to participate.
Does anyone have any thoughts on bribing students? You know, having students rack up "participation points" in class. If they ask a question or answer a question day they get points. If they accumulate so many points in a class period, they get a reward.
I prefer the mini-lecture, alternating with demonstration and/or brief group activities, where the students can practiced what I've preached!
Anecdotal discussions can be effective as well, giving the student the opportunity to "what if" the instructor.
mini lectures are good, students can have a chance to ask questions in case they don't understand the material.
Hi Bruce,
Like your approach. I teach on the same schedule as you. So I am constantly working hard at bringing variety to my classes since my students have been working all day and when they come to class they are tired. So I keep them moving, bring a lot interaction to the setting, and offer a multitude of learning options. All of these things work to keep students engaged and focused.
Gary
I try to vary my approach.
I teach night classes 3-4 hours in length.
Sometimes I start with mini-lectures, while I may begin with a demonstration on other nights.
I have 12 class meeting dates and I try to do something a little different each time.
I also try to make the homework meaningful. I am not afraid to take a question a student has and make it the topic of a discussion board assignment.
Bruce
Hi Juanita,
Good strategies. I use both of these techniques in my classes with great results. My students really like them and they keep their interest throughout the class session. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Along with mini lectures I include role playing and hands on lessons which helps with the students not being so bored. With this they get to move around and not just sit. It also helps them to be more creative with their thinking and a better understanding of the lesson being taught.
Hi Steven,
This is a good point. There is a saying that reflects the strategy. "To teach is to learn twice"
This is true for both we instructors and our students that teach classmates.
Gary
I would have to agree that presentations seem to be a great way to get the students involved. So many students always seem so shy about presenting in front of the class. It helps build their confidence in a non-critical environment. Trying to combine the presentation with time for the students to research the topic in a computer lab (15-20 minutes) also builds research and computer skills
I like this style of teaching. I am setting up my lesson plan this way as well as have them in review the subject in their small groups.
I feel that if you have to teach it to someone-help a group member. You learn more.
Be excited about the material you are teaching. If you approach the material with a poor attitude, the students feed off of this. Next, the suggestions in this course for mini lectures and varying techniques to reach the different learning styles are right on.
First, the students need to feel that you as an instructor care about them both personally and professionally. They need to see learning as a team effort with the instructor playing the role of a coach. As presented in this lesson, the instructor needs to use a variety of learning activities as is relevant to the course content. I like to have the students laugh at least once during each class session. I guess that is the entertainer/class clown in me. I also like to always show relevance of the content to their future goals.
Bill
keep your students interested in the material at hand by showing them how knowing this will create a future for them and also how they can earn a living after they are competent with the skill they have learned
