Many times a guest speaker may be invited in and will provide a panel type discussion. Before the group relizes, the time is up and it is the end of the lecture period.
I have found in the past that a little humor with lecture or conversation can go a long way.
Paulette,
Good plan for bringing diversity into your instructional delivery. This is how you keep students engaged and focused on the content that is being delivered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use as much interaction as possible during lecture, regardless of the length. Instead of putting all information in the PowerPoint, I will put it in the form of a question instead and get class input to the answer. I use videos to illustrate concepts. I try to have at least one discussion question per class, where the students are in groups and discuss the topic.
Jackie,
Change of pace and instructional variety are two elements of successful teaching. You are "reading" your students and making adjustments as needed to keep them engaged. Good strategy on your part and very beneficial to your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I see them nodding off to sleep, or, otherwise disengaging from the class, I will have them move around, go on break, or otherwise change up what is going on in class to bring them back to consciousness, and, to involvement in the class itself.
I change up delivery styles when possible, provide demos, ask them to demo something, ask them to ask questions about the course work that they may have, etc.
Katie,
This is such a great way to get the students settled into the course and focusing their attention on what they are going to be covering in the coming session. I find that these sessions are a lot of fun because they are a little less formal but are engaging for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to start off class with some kind of exploration activity or question, it gets students thinking about the content that we will be going over in class and gives them the opportunity to settle into the right mind frame for class.
As a former student, I enjoyed when the instructor provided videos, guest lecturers, and other supplements. I am trying to show my students both power points and instructional videos. If appropriate, going into the lab and actually giving them hands-on instruction combined with lecturing them is my favorite way.
Peri,
Great to hear about the value you got from this module. I think you are going to really like the results you get with minis.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think the most interesting piece of information I obtained from this module was regarding the mini lectures. I think that is a great idea! I plan to implement it by doing 15 minutes or so of covering vital information then taking time out to ask/answer questions, do a mini project, or similar. I am excited to put this to use!
Rebecca,
Students love to hear stories from the field. By sharing your own experiences you are helping to make the content become alive and real for the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sharing personal professional experiences when applicable to the lecture can help to keep the students engaged.
Ann,
This can be some very productive and interesting sessions to direct.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ann,
I use games a lot in my classes for review and my student really get involved. Game are fun as well as effective in getting students engaged in the material and learning how to use the content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, I agree. Students love the debates. Creative thinking arise and makes the class enjoyable and such a learning style they remember months later.
Students are engaged by various games such as Jeopardy games that depict the topic of the day. They form groups and the interaction is wonderful and look forward to the next challenge. Are there other games that I can create myself to keep the retention via my computer?
Cindy,
As I teach a 6 hour block class from 4 until 10 pm I can attest to the value of this approach. I use it a lot in my classes because it is one of the ways I am able to keep the attention of students for the duration of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
During longer, 2-4 hour lectures, I find that students often respond well to learning from each other. I often provide questions for groups or individuals to problem solve and present to their class mates. This way, they are participating in the presentation of material and learning through teaching, and this can shift the pace of class and help them stay focused between lecture times. I can refine or supplement their answers as needed. This often promotes group discussion and questions as well.
Glenn,
Do your students do any personal projects for the course that they can share with the other students? With so few students I would think that personal projects and then reporting on them would help to keep the students focused. Just an idea.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
