keep the class engaged
encourage an activity to get bodies moving when there seems to be a lull.
Trinity,
this is very true. The hands on allows them to apply the theories & whenever we teach a subject, we always end up knowing it better.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like that you have them help each other.
I think that one of the best ways to keep them engaged is to give them hands on activities that let them use their new knowledge. It can also be helpful if they have to do some of the teaching.
I really like the suggestion about letting students pass the clicker for the PPTs and I'm looking forward to trying it! Short classroom activities are also a good way to keep he students engaged while working together.
Paul,
and I've found that having smaller discussions at first can often encourage these more reluctant students to become comfortable in engaging in the discussion.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Luckily I teach in an environment that brings students from the different military services together. This allows the opportunity for students to bring their experiences from their perspective services into the discussion and the lesson. Nonetheless, there will always be one student that is reluctant to participate and he/she just needs a nudge to get the ball rolling
I Hold students accountable with assessments and attendance policies linked to the final grade.
I also use multiple teaching methods in most classes when possible
Bette,
this is a great strategy & often can provoke a really great discussion/dialogue in class.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that students can understand concepts if they have the opportunity to teach it to someone else. Listen, learn, teach. I love to have students come up and take my place. Sometimes just hearing and understanding a concept from a different perspective makes a light bulb go off.
Those ah ha moments are the best!
I find assigning short topics for students to reply to bring energy to the class and keeps them from being bored.
The rule that I live by for student engagement is to change it up every 30 minutes. Whether it's discussion after lecture or 5 minute game or case study in between lecturing, I always change it up. The students absolutely love the "change"!!!
Linda,
this is a good way to keep them engaged & also to help them learn & retain the information even better.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I love to have students have an opportunity to teach the class on a subject.
Getting all your students focused, eager, and on task at the beginning of class is challenging enough. Equally problematic, once you have them locked in to the lesson, is watching them zone out. There's nothing unusual about that. After all, anyone who has to sit through a long routine -- including a teacher's presentation -- is bound to drift off at some point.
Use Movement to Get Kids Focused
Teach Students How to Collaborate Before Expecting Success
Run a Tight Ship When Giving Instructions
. Create Teamwork Tactics That Emphasize Accountability
Daryl,
this is a good way to keep them engaged & to have some good discussion questions to go along with the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
When doing power points I hand the clicker to the closest student and have them read the first slide. They click to the next slide and pass it to the next student, and so on, allowing time for questions between slides.
I really try to use the students feedback to keep the others motivated. If there seems to be a dull environment in the class room, we back up and review and I ask questions to get them back on track.
Joseph,
yes, this is one of the best arrangements for discussion & is actually the preferred shape for corporate training & development situations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
To keep the class engaged I like to arrange the room in a horseshoe shape whenever possible to allow the student to engage in a discussion relating to the lesson. Adult learners bring a wealth of experience into the classroom and they are more engaged when they can share those experiences.
