Redirecting a disengaged class
I have recently had an experience with this, due to a rather unfortunate timing on contrating the flu. I missed the first few days of the 2 classes I teach. The students had substitute instructors during these days, but had a different instructor each day i was out. This sometimes is a very unfortunate dilema due to trying to arrange coverage especially during flu season when so many students and instructors get sick. The students tend to become disengaged right from the start and it is very difficult to pull the class back from this when you happen to be coming back to class several days into it. you have missed the opportunity to make that first day impression and many times are facing a "hostile" class. I have been working very diligently on trying to redirect the class to get them re-invested in it. However; some of them became disengaged right at the start, this presents a rather distressing concern when u are running an accelerated course that is only 3 to 4 weeks long. What are some ways to try to re-direct an already disengaged class?
Hi Rodney,
Great work on redesigning the class. What type of feedback did you get from the students?
Patricia
I had a class like this as well, where they were not participating and I felt like Charlie Brown's teacher. Therefore, I noticed this and redesigned the class, where I would speak about the topic, we would then have and In Class Exercise to reinforce what we talked about. I had them work on this in teams, and then they would present what they in class exercise the next week. We would also have a quiz at the end of each class. They all seemed to like this approach better not to mention, they were rewarded for coming to class by earning points each work for the quiz and In Class exercise.
Hi David,
It is always good to give praise to the covering instructor, and I agree we never bad mouth the covering instructor. Move the class forward and everything should flow smoothly.
Patricia
I have attempted to point out some of the things that the covering instructor did very well. I try to downplay any shortcomings that occured in my absence. I try to reaffirm what they learned from the substitute, even when they think that they didn't learn anything. Being very upbeat and positive will help get things back on track. Don't dwell on the negatives, it will only make things worse.
Hi Ryan,
I've learned a small gesture is better than the greatest intent. Students appreciate even the small things.
Patricia
The problem is not that you were missing, it is that your coverage didn't build the raport for you with the students.I have also found this problem can work backwards. If the person covering your class has to much fun the class can become not intrested in you. next time try to start fresh and leave it behind you, also a small gesture helps, alittle pizza or game.
Hi Duvall,
This action is a good one to take. It does bring closure to the problem.
Patricia
Hi Jim,
I also like this action and would think that an open discussion would include why the problem occurred.
This will help engage the students with ideas to a solution to the problem with the introduction of teamwork.
Hi Laurie,
Whatever you are doing with the juniors do the same things with the seniors. If you are doing this, perhaps ask the seniors what do they want so that you can make the class more engaging for them. Sometimes students can help the instructor make the class fun and exciting.
Patricia
I have found that one of my classes(seniors) is very disengaged and they have been since they started the program. My other class(juniors)has been motivated and engaged from the beginning of their program. I have found that it is much more enjoyable and productive for the entire class when, as a whole, the class is excited about learning. We have a great deal of extra TIME for extra learning games and group activities when the whole class is engaged. Are there suggestions for different teaching methods for a less engaged dental class?
Hi Laura,
You finally became firm, and you got their attention. By your statement, they realize you were not playing, and they straightened up.
Patricia
I took over for an instructor midway through the last quarter. The students were terribly disengaged, as they had already had two subs. I felt like I had entered an academic warzone! However, I confidently told the students I would teach the ones who wanted to learn, and those who didn't want to, could leave. (Note, this came after an hour or so of trying to convince them it was not the school's fault and this was not the end of the world). Some students left that night, but they all returned the following week. By the end of the quarter, they all seemed engaged and did well in the class.
Hi Jerry,
At times, we do have to make adjustments to our classes. I've never been able to teach any one class the same way, simply because students are different. We adjust accordingly based on our students. We do not condense the curriculum, but we may have to use different teaching methods.
Patricia
Hello Regina,
Never hold back students for students that have been absent. Those students that are behind from being absent need to work with your schedule to get caught up either by coming in early or staying late. I've even held some Saturday sessions for students who were behind.
Patricia
Hi Jim,
I like your response. I would add firmness to energy and passion.
Patricia
Hi Christopher,
You have to reenter as if it was Day 1 and hit the ground running firmly.
Patricia
I teach two Interpersonal Relations classes in the evenings. One is fully engaged and the other is nearly the opposite. Each has had virtually the same content and set of activities, assignments, quizzes, etc. What I have done to reach the less engaged class is ask in open class how they believe we can spend our time together most profitably. As a result we worked through individual research issues related to the term paper assigned, which effectively showed many students how to solve research challenges through the several students who volunteered to focus on their papers. So far the disengaged class seems to be waking up, but I am still anxious about them.
I guess for me it would be coming in with a lot of energy and a lot of passion about the subject. I don't know what you do when you only have 3 or 4 weeks. That is a pretty short turn around. However, it has been my experience that passion is contagious and if you are passionate it spreads.
I have also used the idea that we are all here for a common goal and we all need to be involved in solving the problem. I think I would have a class discussion about the lack of focus, the shortness of time and have the class help with coming up with a solution.
I have been having the same issues with students being gone ill. I have had a difficult time keeping everyone on track. I teach Massage Therapy and having students absent for hands on portions is very difficult. It has been a struggle as well to keep everyone focused while dealing with the students that are behind from being absent.
