Keeping students interested in class.
To keep my students interested in class i have tried to learn some of the types of cars they love. I reference these cars during the lecture.
That's a good idea, they seemed to be motivated by conversation rather than complete lecture.
To keep my students interested I incorporate a subject matter joke in the beginning of class and tell their neighbor something positive.
Students may have a common idea that arises from current events. Finding this common idea by knowing current events could provide a platform for student engagement.
What are some current events that you used recently in your classroom besides cars to engage students.
Antwan
Hi Karen,
It seems like the creativity should spark interest automatically. Have a private conversation with the student to let the student know that the great creativity in the course and find out what he or she is interested in. Use that interest to help motivate the student.
Patricic
Being a chef instructor there is so much room for creativity in this field. How do I keep a students interest or get a student interested who is not showing any interest?
I find the same things Tom. When doing that, the student that is telling their experience feels like they are also an "expert of sorts" and can make them feel that they are an important contributor to the classroom experience!
Tyson
Hi Thomas,
Whenever discussion is taking place, the instructor must be in full control as you have mentioned. You indicated some good points. I can tell you control your classroom.
Patricia
I agree, students do like to hear about the instructors experiences when it relates to the subject matter. But I find that students are more interested when other students talk about their experiences. As hard as it may be sometimes, if you can get students to start talking, others will join in, which can make for lively discussions. You then have to be able to manage the discussion so it will remain within the related topic. Also, some students will try to dominate the discussion, when that happens other students easily get bored. At that time, you need to intercede and call on students that have not participated.
Hello Joshua,
I like your analogy. It seems that this works well in keeping your students interested.
Patricia
I find that I'm not a car person enough to keep up and I teach critical thinking so its not quite as applicable in comparison to service writing.
Instead I use a survey to learn about each student and I find out what their current job title is and where they work. I use their work life to show how critical thinking applies to their real life situations. Then I'll drive (car pun not intended) it home when I connect it to their major/degree/certificate program.
Hi Harland,
It is amazing how interested students become when you present your experiences. Students love hearing about your practical experiences.
Patricia
Hello Harland:
That's a instresting way to make the student interested in the class what I do is to share my own sperience on my carrier.
Hi Stan,
Do do get a different interest level from students whenever real-world material is utilized. I try to use practical experience as much as possible to create student interest.
Patricia
I agree with your concept. I teach Service Writing and incorporate common problems that are prone to certain vehicles that a service writer or dealer tech would see often. My students seem to enjoy learning real world material instead of just generic course material.
Hi Israel,
Students enjoy knowing what is it anything for them. Knowing that something is in it for them will allow the students to become more involved.
Patricia
I find this works well on the motorcycle side of things as well. I always try to use examples that involve the many types of motorsports that the students enjoy. Showing them how the line between the normal mundane service side of things, and the exciting performance side of things, is not that thick. I find this helps to keep them interested and shows them what is in it for them.
Hi William,
Continue to shine with your students by being creative. Students get excited whenever creativity is involved.
Patricia
Not only using cars but bringing in some of your own tools and showing them how they work to solve a problem that all techs face, which is making tools to fit the job, gives a different perspective on what you are trying to teach and adds creativity to the lecture.
It is nice when you can find some sort of common ground to build upon to keep them engaged.
