I would imagine these kinds of recognizable games provide a great deal of enthusiasm in the classroom. Great idea.
Kurt
There is no doubt that as instructors, we can burn out. Most instructors settle into teaching the same courses over and over again, and if the content does not evolve, it does get boring. I am fortunate that I teach a lot of computer programming courses and the technology changes rapidly, so there is always something new to work with. However, I must admit that it can sometimes still get boring and difficult to focus.
When I lose touch with a class, I do like to step back and examine the entire course for changes I can make to not only make it more interesting for me, but also for the class. If I am focused, the class will benefit from my enhanced level of excitement about the material. I design a lot of courses as part of my work, and I am allowed to make major changes to the courses I teach as well as the courses other instructors teach, so I get to witness the burnout issues first hand.
Kurt
instructor taking time to refocus as students start to lose focus they start to get bored the instructor also get s bored and starts to lose foucus sometimes you as the instructor need to step back and change gears maybe take students on a walk about and to a different setting to keep them interested and excited
Hi Chuck,
Right you are. Students are quick to turn off their learning switches when they sense their instructor is as bored with the material as they are. This is a tough situation for everyone because no one is going to have fun learning in thi setting.
Gary
Hi Thomas,
Well said and very good advice. This is what keeps us fresh and excited about being teachers of our subject area.
Gary
Hi Joe,
I use jeopardy in my classes as well. It is a great review method as you mention, not to mention a lot of fun for my students.
I can only imagine that you do an awsome Alex Trebek. Viewing you in this role would be worth the trip to your classroom I am sure. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Gary
I think we as instructors need to refocus at times because we sometimes feel like were getting into a rut, doing the same thing over and over again gets tiring and your delivery of the material becomes boring, because there is not enthusiasm in it when you are trying to lecture. The student picks up on this with the tone of your voice, your body language. It can really hurt the learner’s ability to learn.
At times it is important to remember that it may be better for students to learn a few things well than to try cover too material in a short amount of time.
TO stay focused, you have to recharge. Your like a battery, you have to realign and evaluate what you do in every activity. It's not just a job, it's an adventure. IF you quit discovering, look in the mirror. To keep it fresh, innovative in the classroom, be open, keep it live. It's not just a book and pencil that makes the classs room.
Yes, I to think that we can get caught up in the every days teachings,I use the time away from class or vacation to refouse.
I started doing a "jeopardy review style" game in my Nutrition classes. It takes place the day before each test(for 3 tests total). This game involves groups working together, making a point wager before the question is asked, and then working together to try to answer the question correct. It is an amazing spectical of human nature. I see the groups really bonding together after a few questions. The competitive spirit is amazing! Some of the students that were not very talkative in days past now feel comfortable in the group setting. It is a fun way for them to learn the material and bond with their fellow students. Not to mention, I get to do my "Alex Trebek" impersonation!!!
Because sometimes after teaching the same subject for a long time, it can become difficult to realize that some learners have a difficult time grasping a particular concept.
Hello,
I agree. Sometimes students feel comfortable yet bored. I like to mix up the routine. If I have been starting class with a grammar exercise, I might try starting class with a brief presentation or library assignment.
Hello,
It's important for instructors to "Refocus" themselves because they might feel bored, discouraged, or stressed. It's also important to "Refocus" for student retention.
Hi Toni,
Great philosophy! Being forward focused in your approach, planning and vision leads both instructor and student satisfaction. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Refocusing helps me to get in touch with the end game I should be focusing on-- try to stop rethinking every days successes or failures, and concentrate on whether the class in generally moving in the right direction and learning what they should be. Are they getting the big picture or not? Despite small failures, usually they are progressing on task.
Instructors need to refresh their presentations and lectures so they don't give students the impression that they are "zombie" educators! I will admit that it is difficult to project enthusiasm about a topic or subject that is addressed over and over throughout the years. But we need to be "spot on" when it comes to current events and teaching strategies. I always try to put myself in the shoes (or desks) of the students to maintain my motivation and classroom energy level.
Because its entirely too easy to fall into a rut, especially when you are delivering the same material over and over. We all get lazy and complacent, and the students will pick up on that very quickly and think that we are just going through the motions, not really caring if they are learning the material or not.
Because not to many things can replace a week or two in the Bahamas!
I haven't met an instructor yet who hasn't lost their focus at some point. It simply goes with the occupation. Whether it is an off day, or burnout, it will happen. Knowing that it will is part of the solution. Have a personal list of the signs of burnout before it is encountered. Also, have a plan or solution to address the symptoms. Being prepared an an instructor should include this area, not just the normal preparation done for classes.
Overall, the best answer I can think of, to answer this particular question, is the obvious answer....we as instructors are still biological, as opposed to electromechanical, entities.
Hi Stephen,
I like the way you approach changing your instructional delivery. Student feedback really helps with identifying how changes can be made to improve the course while increasing your interest and motivation as an instructor.
Gary
