Get Your Students Hired
Practice question/answer lecture technique to involve whole lot of students
I really like this idea. As a new instructor I feel that something like this will give me good feedback on the students understanding of the subject.
Larry,
As the learning leader you decide what the polices are going to be in terms of technology useage. So if you want to manage their use by walking around or calling on them then do so. Announce your intentions at the beginning of the class and then follow through so your students will see that you are serious about what you want them to do when using their tablets.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As our college issues tablets for e-book usage I find the access to the internet both an assistance for confirming or augmenting my lecture and a distraction for unrelated activities (games, texting, you-tube, etc.). Is it wrong, i.e. a student embarrassment, to call on them for evidence of their activity as proof or demonstration of a benefit to the class activity at hand?
I will add that I have yet to establish the habit of touring the class while speaking. I am learning that it is a tool to quell such activity.
Vickroy
Lisa,
Sounds like you have developed a good plan for keeping your students busy and engaged for the duration of a class of this length.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Great use of a long class period. I practice a similar delivery style and I agree class is interactive, fun, and there is no time left for texting!
Aleah,
This is a wonderful way to get all of the students involved and focused on what is being shared. In addition, it is a good way to check for understanding as you can quickly determine the level of their understanding based upon the questions they ask and the responses that are given.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The question/answer lecture technique is my favorite. It keeps the students attention, refreshes the energy of the class, involves multiple voices, incorporates new and unexpected ideas and more.
James,
Good way to control phone useage while still using technology as a learning tool. I know this information will be valuable to other instructors trying to decide on how to handle phone useage.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I allow my students to text only on scheduled breaks and that seems to work. I also allow to use their phones during class to search for information relevant to class topics and discussion. It really seems to keep them engaged and excited about finding things they can relate to the lecture and learning new information they can share with the class.
Jamie,
Like the flow of your class. You are covering a lot of material while keeping your students focused. This is a complement to your instructional planning and delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach an accelerated course and our classes hold for 3-4 hours. I begin class with group style work that helps our minds focus on course objectives. This is followed by a 20 min lecture and a break. The class then meets for a demonstration followed by a 45-50 minute application and a break. Lastly, the class meets for a reflective discussion. I find that if I keep switching activitie styles it helps maintain student interest.
Keith,
I wish you success with this strategy. Looking forward to how it works out for you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gail,
I would first consult with your administration to determine the school wide policy on texting just to make sure it is OK for you to ban texting in your class even if it is to check on their children. Then you can tell your students that there will be not texting in the class. You can let them keep their phone on vibrate in case of am emergency. Take breaks and tell them to check on their children during those breaks. As for taking points away from students you can as the instructor of the course. I have a category called "Professional Points" and points are earned by students through participation in discussions, completion of mini-assignments, and compliance with class rules. The points are enough to help a student as well as drop them a grade. If I have a challenge such as texting they do lose points or not earn them as is the case because I am sending a very clear message that I want their attention. So be up front about the class participation points and use them to your advantage meaning take them away if you need to to keep your students engaged in the class. I wish you success with this effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Gail,
This is such a simple thing to do but it yields valuable results. I use index cards for a variety of feedback sessions and the input on the cards helps me to refine my instructional delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have more of a question than a reply. Not sure where this fits in. I still have a problem with students texting during class. i have in my class requirements no texting during class. It still happens. When I asked a student to please put her phone away, she rudely replied "I an checking in on my children"!!! Any suggestions. Can I legally take class participation points away?
I have used the index cards and this keeps them active during class because they know they will need to fill this out before leaving class.
Jacqueline,
This strategy helps to keep the students engaged and connecting the dots between content and application. The more experiences they have in this the better. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to make the lecture interesting and always ask if they have any questions. They always come up with some comment or a question. It will keep them thinking and shows they are paying attention. I know sometimes they are thinking about other things than a class lecture,it is understandable. Everyone has done that.I really like them to show they are thinking about what we are discussing.