In addition to this I also give more breaks at night on lecture days. Just a quick stretch of the legs or drink of water wakes up the students quite a bit.
I placed this reply in the Night Class forum, however, it seems to fit here as well.
The last hour of a four-hour class is brutal for the students. I can see them slowly drifting into another world of dreams, Facebook, and you tube. I attempt to counter this drift with humorous stories and antidotes related to the subject matter; I tend to become more animated and move around the classroom more; I pose scenarios with problems to see if and how the problems can be successfully resolved. At the end of class, I let them go, and then I too can drift into my world of....
One of the attendees to this session also pointed out the use of team projects. This forces the students to stay awake.
movies after 9:30/10pm are not a great idea in my experience as little as that is. I have noticed that no matter how interesting and intrieging the video is, after a certain time the endocrine system and its amazingly powerfull and mystical circadium rythum mechanics will overpower and win exhaustion that even the most energetic peppy high energy student or instructor can be easily made a victim to loss of foccuss or even consciosness/sleep wise. so talking looking, touching, interacting, all activities that should take place once 9:30 or later creep around, save the movies for the begining of night class, at least thats my experience and insight so far.
Hi Emily,
Great idea! I agree! Students sometimes can learn from each other better than they can from the instructor. It is super that you monitor this process as well.
Patricia Scales
When I notice the students growing tired and starting to tune me out I will tell an interesting story that pertains to the information I am instructing on at the time. Sometimes even just a silly joke from laffy taffy inserted into the lecture at the right time will be enough to get them back. Then continue with the lecture.
I often allow my students to participate in peer groups, as this can be a more lively and engaging activity than simply listening to one person (instructor) lecture for the entire class period. I visit each group to contribute and participate in the activity.
currently i am cross training with on of the most energetic and animated personalities i have ever had the privilage to be around. now i can see how the students react to him and how it benifits everyone around him including other instructors.
Hi Marvin,
You are going to be just fine! Go into the classroom very energetic and that energy will trickle to your students.
Patricia Scales
I am so excited to get in the class room and try some activities. I have also been talking to some instructor around campus and they all same the same thing "that a vibrant personality goes a long way" i think im going to be OK. :)
Hi Melanie,
Active learning works well when students are tired.
Patricia Scales
Hi Marvin,
Whatever strategies you wanted the instructor to use to gain student involvement, those should be the things you do to make the class lively. Try role playing, case studies, guest speakers, hands-on activities, etc. to keep students involved.
Patricia Scales
I try different strategies where this is concerned. I have played review games such as Jeapordy and other powerpoint games. Also just simply asking questions and involving the students can help as well.
