Refocus
The 3x5 card idea is a good idea. I think I'll try it.
Hi Andrea!
I completely understand your concern with feeling frustrated. After a four hour lecture, it can be draining to keep the class focused on the lecture material. I'm not sure how it is at your Instituion, but I am entitled to give students a few minutes of break in between the lecture. This helps them to refocus and most times they are little more cooperative when participating with lecture.
Hi Andrea,
Can you change the flow of the class. I have a class that runs from 4 until 10 pm. It is a required basic class so I have to work really hard to keep the students engaged. I change the pace of the class through lecture, then small group, more lecture, Q&A, etc.. The key is to offer variety via examples, case studies and personal experiences. All of these components help to keep the students involved in the learning process throughout the class session.
Gary
I can understand the concept of using the 3x5 index cards and how it can help in an effort to refocus but what are other ideas that can be used to refocus the class? And to refocus as an instructor?
I find that lecturing for 4 hours to a disgrunted class (disgruntled over many factors possibly related to class and many not related) can be very frustrating.
