Hi Carl,
It does appear that most of Generation Y wants to be given everything, and they feel as though the world owes them something. I make it a point to let these type students know you must work to get what you want, and nothing is going to be given to you, i.e., if you want an "A" in this class you must produce "A" work.
Patricia
the average student that you get today seems to want to ge given everything as aposed to working toward specific goals. the motovation of the individual tward setting these goals for them selves is our goal as instructors and the continuing education of these individuals paromont to their grouth in their chosen career paths. to many instructors lose sight of the motivation of the individual as aposed to trying to motivate the class some times the individual should be separated and helped on a personal level due to their own needs and situation to which effects their response in the class room. the inability to focus at times is bordum, personal or social skill sets that were not achieved in the high school classroom or home settings.
Hi Douglas,
Isn't that something? I feel exactly as you do. How shameful to let someone graduate, and they cannot read. UNREAL!!!
Patricia
Students that have graduated from public schools with a H.S. degree that can't read are the biggest challenge. They should be able to sue the school.
Hi Edward,
At my institution we have a no tolerance policy for electronic devices. If you are caught, you are immediately removed from the room. The removal counts as an absence and any and all work done or due on that day will be graded "0." Students know we are sticklers for policies, and electronic devices are hardly ever an issue, occassionally, a cell phone will ring, and policy is enforced.
Patricia
The majority of my students are young men 18-22 yrs old. "Electronic devices" are my biggest challenge. Phones, I-pods, Nintendo, etc. I make them turn them off and put them away. I then move around the room alot, like I'm on patrol. I tell them I'm "hunting" waiting for them to bring it out. A game of cat and mouse. The students like it, I still teach, so it's ok.
Hi Craig,
I myself have never done this, but obviously it worked for you. I generally have a conversation with the student to let the student know I appreciate them wanting to anwser, but we need to give others a chance in the room to answer. The conversation normally goes well, and I notice an immediate change.
Patricia
The students repeating the course. They like to shout out the answers to all the questions. I found that by actually giving them control of the lecture they tried and couldn't complete the task. Hence now the are quiet and attentive.
Hi Jon,
Getting to the root of the problem, generally, solves the issue. As you mentioned, there can be various reasons as to why a student is unfocused.
Patricia
Hi Timothy,
Students that are away from home alone, you may need to remind them that they are adults now, and it is time to grow up. I remember being one of those students away from home, but I was extremely mature and very focused. It depends on the person. Some do need strict guidance.
Patricia
first we need to identify the cause of lack of focus are they bored or are they lost or is it somthing like ADD or ADHD i try to keep each student involved in the lesson like asking a question to keep them on there toes
it would probably be the out of high school students away from home.they are here alone and are looking for other students in the same boat.they are missing home and friends.letting them know that they are all adults here and this is there future there are paying for.they need to stay focused and use the time to prepare themselfs for the life ahead of them
Hi William,
As an educator, get into the habit of utilizing all styles, such as auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Any concept I teach, I always incorporate the three different learning styles into my presentation.
Patricia
Sometimes all the students are a challenge just to get all the learning styles to gel and be able to get the information out in such a manner that all of the students have an oppurtunity to get the info in a way that they will be able to recall the info when needed to either take a test apply it to a lab or perform the task in the field. I find that innatenative students are the most difficult for me in that I develop the perception that they do not care. Then I find that when I look at myself I have fallen into a rut of only one style of presentation.
Hello Casey,
What are some of the different teaching techniques do you utilize to aid your students in understanding the material easily?
Patricia
When a student is having a hard time understanding the material. I try different teaching techniques.
Hi Tony,
Our jobs as educators are very challenging. We have to adapt to many different personalities and attitudes. You are on point, each student is different, therefore, we must learn how to deal with each student individually. I've noticed you can say something to one student a particular way, and you may not be able to say those same words to another student. We must be mindful of the student we are dealing with.
Patricia
No doubt about it. WE have students of different ages and backgrounds. Most of the blame others, inattentive, unprepared and center stage students are the ones fresh out of high school. Regardless of thier problem, dealing with these students requires different strategies presented in different ways to accomadate the students personality and attitude. The bottom line is we have to get them out of that high school attitude into a more adult state of mind. Great module, will be very helpful.
Hello James,
Aren't brain teasers great? I even use them whenever I notice that my students are getting tired. We should share our brain teasers. I have tons.
Patricia
Hi George,
Surprise tasks are always nice. These tasks normally bring much excitement and generate a whole lot of focus.
Patricia
