Tossing questions to those not paying attention
I have always found it beneficial to students who are not paying attention to direct questions directly to them when they doze off or are not paying attention. I know the text states not to do that, but how else can you get those students engaged in the discussion when it is obvious that their minds are somewhere else.
I agree also, if i were in there place i would not want to be embarrased eiter. I think the best thing to do is speak with the student out of class and see what the underlying problem might be. It could easily be someting we are not considering.
I like this idea - especially in light of research that discusses the correlation between movement and learning!
I agree with doing what ever not to embarrass the student. I teach mainly night classes and I work a day job too so most of my students are also winding down for the night. I have noticed that if I am not careful when waking or trying to get the dozing student back into class, they will shut down and, at least for them, the rest of the night is no longer a learning experience. Most of my other students have been good at keeping an eye on the more tired students and they try to keep them awake.
This I do as well. Sometimes I am surprised by the student stating a god answer. Depending upon who the student is and how often this happens, suggests how I handle a specific situation.
Hi George - Welcome to ED 103! Great job injecting a little fun into your classroom! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
If I see someone sleeping I have everyone get up and do a "stretch" break. Or conduct a Chinese desk drill "everyone up move to a new desk... in three, two, one. Go!" Sometimes I use an imaginary stop watch to time them, using a phony drill instructor persona.
Welcome to ED 103 Anupam. I like your idea of asking questions of the students next to the sleeping one! It really is great to see how students will rally together. Best wishes - Susan
I also ask questions to a student next to the one dozing, and then build upon the question in such a way that the dozing student can be involved in the discussion.
This is also done by working the peer group and they will wake up the dozing student pronto, and I have seen peer groups form where they try and keep the group motivated and awake.
Hi Krashania- You are a very emphathetic instructor! Best wishes - Susan
True. many times students are awakened in an embarrassing manner, which can cause the student to become disruptive because they need to "get the instructor back." I usually try to provide an activity, even if impromptu to get the students moving for those that are sleeping. Other students also watch and wake up those that have nodded off, so I dont have to do anything but keep teaching.
Many of the students in my class work full time jobs and go to school as well. I tell them that I appreciate the difficulty they experience in staying awake and offer suggestions on how to wake up. If you express empathy for the student's situation they realize you are on their side and are not just finding fault and trying to embarrase them. This seems to work better for me and helps with my relationships with the students.
Hi Gerald - You are certainly an empathetic instructor. Often insructors will wake the student in a manner that will ensure embarrassment. As instructors we need to examine WHY the student is sleeping? Is it that we are incredibly boring? Is the student a parent who was up all night with a sick child? Was the student working the night shift? Is there drug/alcohol involved? If it happens repeatedly, it is time for a private conversation with the student. Best wishes! Susan
One of the methods I have used when students seem to be "dozing off" or not paying attention is to walk near them and sometimes tap them on the shoulder as I am speaking. When they "wake up," I attempt to offer them a question that I feel they are capable of answering based upon their previous responses in that particular time setting.
I very often (in the academic classroom) suggest to students who appear extremely tired or sleepy, to feel free to stand up at the rear of the classroom.
