Breaks
I teach a group of twelve students that are technically allowed to have 2 fifteen minute breaks a day, aside from lunch. Do you recommend breaking the breaks up into say five to ten minute breaks or is fifteen a good number before returning to learning? Is it better to do more, shorter breaks or less, longer breaks?
This is definitely an interesting thread for me. I am excited to use some of these methods to aid in lecturing over the long summer courses.
Julia,
good question. Part of the rule with adjusting content is being able to read the class/students & know when they are at saturation & they really can't take any more in. That might be a good spot for a break or to allow them to do work.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Ok.... we are supposed to give a 10 minute break every hour... I have 3 sometimes 4 classes some longer than an hour some shorter...My questions are how to adjust the time with the content?
How to give time during class for work that could be done as homework but there may not be enough time wanting to insure that the work gets done?
This is all for now...
Nicholas,
this is true & I also like to break up my longer lectures here & there with some quick hit paired questions or small group discussions.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I teach lectures that are typically anywhere from 2-3 hours in duration. I have always been of the thought that you should never go longer than about 50-60 minutes (1 hour) without a 10 minute break. I find that if you go any longer, you start to lose people and they drift. A short break at the end of each hour helps keep classes focused in.
John,
I really think that when you have the students for the extended periods, you have to explore this idea as well as others to break up the "monotony."
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My student don'deal with the lectures well. In fact I stopped calling it lecture. Now, I call it discovery. Even with a better mind set, and an energetic room, I see my students start to glaze over after about 50 minutes. I too, try to give more, but shorter breaks.
Mona,
definitely a challenging situation. Is there a way to incorporate "mini-breaks" into the class more often? For instance a quick 1 minute stand & stretch break every so often? Also, is there a way to incorporate some individual work or group projects in which they can manage their own restroom breaks? Just some thoughts.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
it is ok to take 2 fifteen minute breaks to give them time to gather there self and maybe get something to eat or drink to clear there mind for a minute and take a break from learning so they dont tire out or stress out and just gives them time to talk with each other and help each other through similar situations they might be going through or have been through. so breaks are very important. the shorter the better it is the better it is and they dont get to tired from waiting so long
I have classes that are 2 hours in lenght. My students want a break every 50 minutes which really takes up my instructional time. Then the students complain that there is not enough time for instruction. This is a no win situation if I continue to give breaks after 50 mins.
Lauren ,
personally I would lean toward 3 10 minute breaks a day as I think the shorter, but more breaks works better.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
