Starting the class out with a brain teaser or puzzle is a great way to get the class motivated.Preparing your mid to learn keeps focus and gives the students adhesion with each other.
For me the inattentive student is the most challenging.
Disregard is a trigger for me so I need to be careful about over reacting.
I usually find that the student is bored or feels unchallenged with the material. I try to offer additional information or have the student demonstrate a motor skill exercise for the class that pertains to the material. Most students are eager to demonstrate their knowledge and it is helpful to the students that are stuggling with the material.
If a student is inattentive and they are having trouble comprehending the material having another student explain the material to the class from their view point can help.
Asking the inattentive student questions can help draw them into the discussion of the material as well.
Some are right out of highschool and I also see a fair amount that are making a shift in their career path, short breaks during lecture seperating into groups to work on lab projects also works well sometime a surprise task that they did not expect but will do well at, also has worked well for me.
Hello Edna,
I never understood how one could teach and sit. I am constantly on my feet. Using various media is always a plus due to the different types of learners.
Patricia
I always walk around the class as I lecture and make eye contact for just a couple of seconds, if that much, and I know when the students are listening. I also use various media during my lecture and demonstration, whether it is simply a dry erase board (very large), power point presentations or an outline on the monitor of topics for the day. Through personal experience, I understand the problem of maintaining attention, so I am sensitive to those students who need the help.
Hello Armando,
You do come across older students that are very much set in their ways, which can truly be a challenge. When I interact with older students as such, I immediately think of the old adage, "It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks," but as educators we have to continue to try.
Patricia
Hi Evelyn,
In most cases my most challenging students are generally the ones right out of high school, therefore, I can agree with you, however, from time to time you get some older students that can be challenging as well. Currently, I have a student right out of high school, and I was able to determine very early during the module based on her actions. The most important thing is that you must get them to understand that they are in college now and not high school, and they must take a serious and mature approach to their education. I am sure you can attest the strategies mentioned are very helpful.
Patricia
i find that opposite of younger student older students that are set in their mind frame are sometimes the hardest to get through to them younger students have an open mind and are more receptive to the imformation as long as you keep it interesting.
In general, my most challenging students so far have been the ones right out of high school. Sometimes, these students are not sure what career path they want to follow or they don't have the discipline for college, or feel overwhelmed with the amount of material they have to study, assignments, long tests, etc. Other times they just need some encouragement and guidance. I've found that talking to them early on an individual basis helps, making myself available and listening to what they have to say. However, I believe that it is very important to remind them that they need to develop discipline and a more mature approach to their college studies as it is what will prepare them for the real world of having a good job and keeping it.
Sometimes I also get challenging older students that are not very confident and are overwhelmed by being back in school after 10, 15 or 20 years out of school. I've talked to them individually and I have always been able to encourage them and give them tools to succeed. They've been very grateful and they have not quit during difficult times.
I have found that a little bit of individual attention goes a long way with challenging students; it takes more energy and time from the instructor, but it is worthwhile and it gives me a lot of satisfaction to see that I have made a difference!
Hi Gary,
I let the more educated students know at once, that the course is a beginner's level course, however since they are so knowledgable, they can help students that aren't as knowledgable.
Patricia
Hi George,
I agree with what you tell you students. You reall do want to take advantage of one's knowledge that have been working in the field for years.
Patricia
Hey Donald,
The know-it-alls generally, do not know as much as they think they do. Once they are called upon, and they can not answer the question correctly, they are normally humbled after this happens.
Patricia
For the most part the students just out of high school or those that have been cuddled for the years since high school are the most challenging. Better yet the mother of a 30 year old student who comes in to my office to deal with the students problems have to be the cake takers. With older students, the more educated tend to be a big challenge because they are always wanting to take the class and topic to the extreme advanced level when we are only doing basic. Usually a 1 on 1 with them takes care of the problem, but they still seem to be disapointed when the class is not to "their level".
Hi Louis,
What strong adjectives to describe challenging students. They are not discriminated upon; they are a variety. We must let our students know that we have their success at heart.
Patricia
The student that believes when they leave school they will be more certified or knowledgable than the people in the field making a living in the career they are attempting to ge into. I often tell them experiences in the field with people like themselves shutting themselves off of invaluable help from people that have real experience in the field.
My most challenging students are the ones that think they know everything already. They don't pay attention during the lectures because they've been "doing this for years". When I get one of these students, I ask for their input on a particular facet of the lecture, and by getting them actively involved, they find that they don't know as much as they thought they did.
Hi Louis,
You really described these unfocused students. Keep them engaged/involved so that they stay focus.
Patricia
Hi Jackie,
As an instructor, those type students that claim they did not hear a particular assignment/rule explained rub me the wrong way.
Patricia
Hi Richard,
I have come in contact with a few of these students myself. If they feel they already know the material, they will not pay attention as much, and they make it known they have worked in the area. Suprisingly, these students do not do much better than any other student.
Patricia
Hi Thomas,
I always take control! I do not let my students change the subject. On the first attempt of trying to change the subject, I nip it in the bud in a very firm but kind manner.
Patricia
