Do you teach for the lowest level of the room?
I use a variety of these discussed methods so I don't lose anyone, do you?
Nancy,
One way is to bring your passion for your field to the class each time it meets. Be enthused about having the opportunity to share information about the field and then provide your students with varied learning opportunities. You will not get them all but you might be able to fan that spark in that disinterested students and help him or her catch fire and see how they can move their career development forward. I as you want to get them all but like fishing we put out bait and we catch some and other just swim on by. The loss is theirs but they if you present yourself as a professional can learn from your modeling behavior and providing respect in a way that helps them as human beings if nothing else.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have loved all the different information I have gotten out of this forum.
This particular topic brings me to ask a question. I am new to this school as a teacher to adults and apparently some students are here because they have to be and are not really interested in the particular program/dept I will be teaching in. There are others who are here for the right reasons. I am very passionate about this subject. How do I instill that passion in someone who doesn't want to even be there in school? I know I can't "FORCE" it, they will either have or they won't. I'm not asking for a flame just a small spark.
Frantz,
Good way to engage all students and to help them all to move forward in the course. Yes, some students do need some extra help and encouragement and with your method they are getting it. I am sure they appreciate how you are helping them to be successful in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I don't like the idea of teaching down to students who are not processing the material as well as others. I'd rather encourage them to seek extra help after class or partner with other students when studying. I'll also offer extra credit assignments. It is a tremendous boost to their confidence when they finally "get it".
I agree that trying different teaching styles is a good approach but sometimes students need an extra push.
I generally try to find a medium in which all student can accomedate to.
Thao,
First try talking to the student privately and try to get a fix on why he or she asks the previously covered questions. Many times this talk will work. If it doesn't then you can nicely let the student know that "we have already covered that question a few minutes ago". When saying this also mention that he or she can write the question(s) and that you will be glad to answer them after class. I have found that when you ask them to write down questions and wait for an answer they generally lose interest in asking questions that have been asked before.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What do you do when you have one student that continually asks questions that have already been covered in lecture/discussion?
Joseph,
Good way to engage your students and this method also lets you check for understanding so you can review any points that the students seem to have confusion about or don't understand.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
