thinking
I really like the thinking break and how your brain need a break to regroup
Allowing students to have a break in between lessons is pivotal for their learning and comprehension. When students have more time to ponder what they have been taught, they retain the information for a longer period of time.
Bradley,
It is important to let students reset their minds after a period of time. Also, if you can change the flow of the class and delivery format ever so many minutes you will be able to keep them more engaged as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I give my students a 10 min break every hour and it seems to help them focus for the 5 hours their in class.
Tina,
Well said and a good practice to follow. By getting the blood flowing you are resetting the brain and that lets students refocus for the next class segment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, I find that at least once per hour students and teachers need 5-10 minutes to move around, stretch, and breathe. The brain can only take in so much efficiently before it needs to re-set.
William,
Something simple like this is yields valuable results as you have commented. We need to remember to get them moving around so they can rest their brains and be ready to focus on the next phase of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes this does work well. I have been doing this for a number of years and I have them get up and walk around or get something to drink, but you have to watch for the ones that try to go to sleep.
Tami,
I have these types of sessions in my classes as well. Food is a great way to get people engaged and settled into the course. Then they can relax a bit and start to share.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
things my students like to do to take a break is plan a little finger food party so we can eat and have discussion. everyone brings something.
Teresa,
Good advice for instructors to remember. We need to provide opportunities for our students to reset their brains and gain their focus as we move to another topic area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Class breaks are important for the thinking and information processing to be effective. Instructors should encourage brain gyms and water breaks to help facilitate the flow of proper information processing and data intake within each students and strengthen neurons.
Teresa Keith, M.A.
General Studies Instructor
Justin,
Students needs opportunities to reset their brains so by taking breaks you are helping them to refocus and get ready for the next topic to be covered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
During class I believe it's important to incorporate breaks. I like to give the lesson, allow students to process the information and then take a quick break before the next lesson is introduced.
Some times we ask people to go were they are not ready to go. We need to lead them there.
LaTonya,
This is why it is good to have such a opportunity to reset your brain so you are ready to come back to school and be at the top of your game in terms of instructional sharing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, when I leave work on Thursday's I have to give my brain a break. My brain is on overload and I find that I can not function.
Communicating some calm, quiet time always helps the brain relax.
Olga,
I agree. It is a way to reset the thought process and help students get focused once again.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Exercise is one of the best ways to give your brain a break, and rhythmic or coordination exercise (aerobics) actually help to improve memory.
