Along with bring in real life and career experiences to get students excited, I also really like to utilize YouTube. In one activity I had students make videos and we now use them as both teaching tools and tools to highlight excellent work from students
When introducing a new course on the first day or at the beginning of the day's lecture, I like to tell them why the content is important to them. I focus on the broad category of how they will use the information and skills of the course in their future as LPNs. Presentation, is important at this time because if you are excited about the information you can get the students excited also.
Hi Robert,
Wow, I got excited just from reading your response! I make it known on Day 1 how the course is going to benefit them in their career and their potential for income. Students get excited when you talk about money.
Patricia Scales
To be honest I have it a bit easy as an instructor as my field of study is Sound for Picture and Motion Pictures. Naturally, with this comes the students most favorite and every so helpful review of the craft itself by way of screening of select scenes that portray techniques of sound design concluding in discussion. A somewhat explosive inspiration can be seen among the students as they explore their ideas together afterwards. Though this is perhaps the best way to learn the craft, I employ several other techniques as well; projected samples of visual guides from screenwriting samples to score sheets including handouts of each, Powerpoint discussions, and group projects to name a few. Via outdoor audio field recording exercises and motion picture set productions I find the students are most energetic when outside the classroom. With the subject matter there is little wrangling to do on sight as most are fully engaged in the productions. In regards to the arts, motion pictures, or sound design do you have any previously proven methods of instruction that might aid in getting students excited?!
Hi Kristine,
Love it how you get all students involved, and you make your students respect each other. When things are in order shy students are more likely to participate.
Patricia Scales
I make the course exciting by reminding students that the course work learne will be remembered by them for a lifetime! Then, a few weeks after testing, I do a retention test. The students then realize that they are actually learning and it wasn't that difficult! I reward studnets with some "down time" by having a pot luck lunch and movies on the last course day. My method is well received by students(:
Students that seem to call out answers don't always seem to know the correct answers, but are willing to participat in a much more aggressive manner than shy students. I involve each studnet by asking them their views on each topic and ask the other students to kindly not interupt who ever is answering. This helps all students to remember that they each will have a turn to speak with no intreuptions which helps seems to be a good tool to get studnets engaged.
Hi Heather,
Great way to get students ready for a test/quiz. Students really are more excited if the feel ready for the assessment.
Patricia Scales
I include review activities where the students work in small groups and then take turns giving their answers. I let the other students correct mistakes or agree with correct answers. I also do quizzing competitions for exam reviews. They can discuss answers as a group for a couple of minutes, but each person in the group needs to give the final answer.
Hi Richard,
Students love it and get really excited when they are allowed to do hands-on activities. Students would rather apply what they have learn than to lesson to lecture all the time.
Patricia Scales
Hi Leland,
You have it! Enthusiasm certainly begins with the instructor.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sandra,
I agree! Students really need to be taught the importance of teamwork. Together we can accomplish more.
Patricia Scales
I teach a graphic design course, so I have an assignment for them to design the course content pages and then we go over them as a class. This engages them and covers the content.
I find by teaching with a excited, enthusiastic attitude, it is contagious to student attitudes. Then using icebreakers to help enforce the fun and excited attitude created.
I have used several methods that engage and challenge the students. This helps them to create teams and learn how to work with each other. It shows them how important teamwork is. Let's face it no matter where you work if you don't have a good support system and teamwork then productivity usually isn't the best! This is something that should always be taught and even revisited when in the work force. Great way to break the ice and develop a good classroom atmosphere.
Hi Virginia,
Awesome! I love it how you share course relevancy and real-world implacations/applications with your students. Students need to know how the course really is beneficial to them in their career. I love your proactive approach.
Patricia Scales
As an economics teacher, I often find that my students are hesitant to get excited about the course material. A common reaction is the following: "I'm going to school for _____. Why should I care about an introductory economics course?"
My passion is showing the students that not only is the course material relevant, but it also has incredibly important real-world implications and applications.
One way that I get my students engaged in my face-to-face courses is to collect some basic information on the first day - their interest and hobbies, activities and occupations. Throughout the semester, as I am preparing for my lectures I will pull out these information sheets and use examples that I know will pique several students' interests directly - and through follow up discussions, I have found that the students really get excited about the material.
As an economics teacher, I often find that my students are hesitant to get excited about the course material. A common reaction is the following: "I'm going to school for _____. Why should I care about an introductory economics course?"
My passion is showing the students that not only is the course material relevant, but it also has incredibly important real-world implications and applications.
One way that I get my students engaged in my face-to-face courses is to collect some basic information on the first day - their interest and hobbies, activities and occupations. Throughout the semester, as I am preparing for my lectures I will pull out these information sheets and use examples that I know will pique several students' interests directly - and through follow up discussions, I have found that the students really get excited about the material.
Hi David,
I have been teaching for more than 25 years, and it certainly is a challenge to get everyone excited about being in class. What I have learned that excitement has to begin with the instructor! The instructor plays a huge role when it comes to enthusiasm in the classroom!
Patricia Scales
Hi Renee,
I love your perspective! Enthusiasm is contagious, and it starts with the instructor! I am show your students love your energy!
Patricia Scales
