long dicsussions
I find when I have a long discussion planed for the days lesson that if I pause briefly at scheduled intervals that the students don't seem to be focused on "when will we be done" and usually use the short break times to discuss the previous material and have questions for when we return. This acts as a review right after the material is presented.
After a few minutes of discussion, I like to take the students into the lab area and show them what we have been discussing and let them get their hands on the equipment. After some time in lab, then we go back inside and have a discussion and answer period from the lab experience.
I second that. A tool I use at another school is "polling questions". That is a great way to break up the long discussion/lecture time and gives time for feedback and a nice break from information overload.
if you make it more of asking questions instead of a discussion keeps there focus. Keep calling on different students to answer and you can also find out who is haveing concerns with the materials at the same time.
Hi Richard,
Instructors have to be flexible and read their students. Have them take a break when they need a break and you will have better attention from them. You are on the right track with your approach to student management.
Gary
I also sometimes take a break at a time I had not originally planned. I do this when I can tell the energy level has droppped to a point no one is going to learn anyway. I simply adjust for that unscheduled break later in the day.
It doesn't work for people who find it supremely important to follow a pre-existing schedule but it works well for me.
Michael, I agree that small amounts of lecturing with a break or a hands on exercise helps to keep the students attention. It also helps to review the material to see if they are grasping it. Great post.
Hi Michael,
Good use of course timing. Your students are staying focused on their content and using the time to expand their knowledge of what has just been presented. Good job!
Gary
