Rosa,
Changing the flow of the class enables the students to reset their minds and get ready for the next phase of the class that session. Also, your checking for understanding helps you to know where they are at in terms of comprehension.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I tend to pause periodically during a lecure to allow for questions to be posed to students, as a review of what has just been presented. This allows me to determine whether or not students are listening and focusing on the material presented.
David,
I like instructors that are enthusiastic about their subject matters and motivated to teach it. Keep up the good work. We are edutainers as well as instructors.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I challenge myself to give robust performances in terms of enthusiasm. Speaking forcefully and having the stamina to stay animated are key for me. I have abandoned PowerPoint. Low light levels tend to subdue a class. I need to maintain mobility in the classroom to engage my students.
I think it is important to get student involvement throughout the class by asking questions and engaging students in discussions.
COURTNEY,
Good way to provide change of pace and variety. Students need this to enable them to process the content they have just received and then to focus on the next content that will be shared.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Ethel,
Thank you for the kind words about ED 101. Building on student success to help with their self confidence in learning is an essential part of being an educator that cares.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
At the end of every 4th or 5th powerpoint slide, I stop lecturing and engage the students in current or past events that are relevant to the subject matter. This helps them to think critically and apply the material learned to an event, which will allow them to remember the material better and hopefully longer.
Misty,
I am a big fan of learning groups. They help to keep students engaged and learning how to work with others. Good point.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I feel that one of the most critical actions we take as caring instructors, is the point of critique; whether positive or negative. We still must have that motivation and acknowlegement(when they do something good)at the same time almost like a domino effect. If there is a balance created the student seems to be more relaxed with the corrections you provide throughout the career course that you are instructing. I really like this portion of the ED101.
Having a group activity that they can work on keeps them engaged during the class.
Rheashaun,
I like this strategy as well. It is an effective learning method.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kimberly,
I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I understand your statements completely. I agree with the what ever it takes. I give out a lot of candy bars during reviews and games. The students like the competition and the candy bars gets them working hard to answer the questions so they can earn one.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
One strategy I use in class is interactive learning. Sometimes students may lose interest in the classroom if the only person talking is the Instructor. I give the students a chance give their input on the subject matter. Even if the student is wrong, it can lead to the other students partipating in the discussion and could possibly bring back the excitement with the students.
I agree. Our cohorts become quite close. We also utilize a "coach" approach where the student assists the person doing the exercise just demonstrated. There is a lot of encouragement to those who are struggling and many "whoo hoos" for those who are celebrating a success. I step in before frustration and the students learn by coaching, too.
Because there are so many fundamental concepts that must be learned by my students, I find mixing it up is the ONLY way I can keep them focused and moving on. An eight hour lab coupled with lunch can equal a lethargic group for the afternoon. Between mini-lectures, demos, internet videos and supplemental exercises (pull out the modeling clay), we get through it. Don't forget the chocolate for the 3:00 p.m. sugar fix. It gets all of us through the last hour. I always keep a five pound bag of mini candy bars. Whatever it takes!
Sometimes new tools for the trade is a good way to keep a student involved or interested because of the techniques used with them are different.
In addition to keeping the attention span in mind, I pay close attention to students' body language throughout the lecture. When I see students looking bored, or even yawning, I know it's time to switch things up, ask them a question, or even take a little break.
Dianne,
Keep up the good work. I have been teaching for many years and each time I teach one of my courses I introduce something new or different as I am always seeking improvement in how I connect with students. In addition, the new things in the course get me excited about teaching the course even though I have been teaching it for many years.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Thank you for the great idea. I also put in little breaks from me lecturing with short videos. With all of these techniques to try to engage all types of students, I get concerned about covering all the content in the time I'm given. My changes in lesson plans are never ending to try to really focus on what I feel those particular students need the most attention in.
