How to keep students engaged
I begin to provide stories about specific topics when I see students are looking bored and drifting off. I start asking them questions about the topic at hand and request feedback.
Hi David - Thanks for sharing an excellent idea! As a former Debate Team coach, I know how stimulating debating a topic can be. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I "borrowed" a concept from my own educational experience the other day when I had the class separate into two groups ( I picked the members), and they got to sit facing each other instead of facing me, and they "debated" a topic pro and con( again I assigned who did what).
Then we switched sides..
the pros became the cons, and so forth.
They liked it so much, they now ASK for the chance to change viewpoints to get to argue both sides of any question, rather than sitting in a semi circle facing the instructor
I always have some hidden or unknown facts that I produce to try and get that wow factor . It has a tendancy to rejuvenite an otherwise stale setting.
Hi Alicia, Using scenarios asks students to apply the concepts that they have learned. Great work! Susan
Susan Polick
Thats a good idea. I use scenerios and make them think about the answer and the logic of their answer
Hi Donna, I'll bet that the frequent breaks for questions will really work for you 3-4 hours IS really grueling! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I use this technique too but as I learned in the ED101 "Effective Teaching Strategies" include getting to them before they get bored. I'm going to try the 10-15 minute mini lectures then include Q&A. 3-4 hours is a long time to lecture. I too am tired when the morning is over.
Hi Shaundas, Thanks for your post to the forum. Sharing stories that relate to the concepts you are teaching is a great way to get students engaged! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
