Students with attention problems
Start with yourself first and then the student.
Hi Rhina,
I understand the frustration. Keep trying to motivate/encourage these students. Some we will reach, others we won't, continue to make a difference.
Patricia Scales
I have found that they are students in your class (1-2%) that their lack of motivation is beyond... or their out of focusness and dailies life issues wrap them so tight or they just got caught in a program that does not fit their objectives particularly in that moment, that I just never get them to buy it. And it frustrates me.
I understand that students have differing learning styles. I try to spot a disinterested students style and engage them based on that. I also involve them by calling on them for opinions. This seems to draw them in and gives them investment in the topic.
Hi Jeanine,
We have to keep our students engaged. Some students love demonstrating what they know by utilizing the board. Actively learning is very effective.
Patricia Scales
I try to change-up the way the material is presented. Many times getting them actively involved like coming up to the board, or playing course related games has helped. Working in teams tends to alleviate some of the issues as well.
Hi Anthony,
Yes, we should always encourage participation. Sometimes you can really bring out the best in some students.
Patricia Scales
That could be very hard to do. Some students are not going to give you the response you want, no matter what.They do really good in the class. Do you think you should still try to get them engaged even though they are doing very well?
Hi Teresa,
If this works and it is not distracting to other students, try it.
Patricia Scales
I am a clinical instuctor. I find I have to keep things moving all day. If there is any long periods of down time I see they start to loose interest. Having a plan for the whole day helps even in a clinical setting.
How about if you let them play with a squeeze ball or something in there hand. I think this helps them to focus at times.
I try to have them read to the class. Sometimes I have to adjust the speed of my presentation. I find that students can tune out because either things are going too slow and it gets boring; or there's too much information coming to them at a time.
Lets talk about the many ways to engage students, both verbally and nonverbally. I have found that those with attention defecit problems are helped by offering them a specific task, focus, or assignment with request to give the answers to the group.
Hi Sarai,
Sometimes as instructors we have to look at ourselves. If we are doing a poor job engaging sutdents we are not going to be able to hold their attention.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jamie,
Absolutely! If you have 20 students in class, you have 20 different personalities with 20 different attitudes. As instructors we have to adjust our personalities to each student.
Patricia Scales
Each student is different as instructors we have to find ways to keep them engaged in class.
