I like to keep moving around the classroom and engage the students.Some times i will rearange the classroom seating and bring trade magazines to show them different subjects.
Ask them if they would like to do the next problem on the bored.
speaking loudly; transitioning between vocal pitch and tone.
Hi Wanda,
Great way to reel students back into the lecture. No one likes being caught off guard.
Patricia Scales
I like to ask a question refering to the information being presented. As I call upon a student for an answer I then continue to ask for other answers from other students.
I capture the students attention by making connections with them. As a culinary instructor, I find that there is usually a motivator as to why they are in culinary school. I find out what that motivator is and run with it. For some, it may be a relative that motivated them, from that there is usually a favorite dish and I speak with them about the flavor or the preparation and explain to them how they can tweak or adjust that dish to add some flair or fun to the dish.
You can try putting them into a small discussion group. Let them know that they will be graded on their work and particioation in class.
One strategy that I use is walking around the class, especially in the area of concern. Then sometimes I let the student that is not paying attention recapture some of the lecture highlights.
I try to have interaction with them during my lecture to "make" them part of the lesson and have them focus their attention on me and what I'm talking about.
I agree. Giving the student the chance to get involved offten times redirects their attention. Gives the a feeling a being a part of the process.
Hi Meg,
I concur! This is the sole reason it is good to know your students. You need to know what works for your students.
Patricia Scales
Hi Keith,
Students really do enjoy hearing our stories that are applicable to the lesson.
Patricia Scales
Since I have many years in the field of study, I always like to tell the students some of my experiences in the workforce. The stories are sometimes funny, and sometimes not.
I think you can use different strategies depending on the cause of the students' inattention. Students who are inattentive because the material is too easy for them need challenging activities and applications of the material to help them reengage. Students who are overwhelmed and inattentive because they do not understand need a break from the lecture and an activity to apply the information in another way and help them understand. Either way, a break from the current lecture and an evaluation or conversation to determine why the students are inattentive is in order.
I like to use in class activities that show the integration of the theories into the real world. Not only does this show relevance to what they're learning but everyone has to participate. This takes away from their not paying attention and makes them realize they need to pay attention in class. If they don't they will be lost in their small group and peer pressure starts asserting itself.
Visual aspects of what I do have a huge impact on their clarity of thought as technical material in a book has at most two dimensions. I found that physically showing them an item has a profound ability to lock in a concept or experience.
I believe that inattentive need to be stimulated more often. I like to "lean in" to these students…. talk right to them, stand right near them, acknowledge their presence even if I am not asking any in depth question or use their name in an example…. so they feel included not embarrassed. I want them to "want" to be engaged…. therefore I will really encourage their participation!
I find the best technique to keep student's attention is to have a wide variety of activities throughout the day that account for all learning styles. For example, I do group discussions, followed by case studies, posters, games, etc. Adults enjoy fun activities just as much as younger students, so it is important to take the time to be creative and put thought into our classroom activities.
I feel that you should ask questions and allow the class to discuss what they think by going around the room and asking each student to give a little feedback.
One way to capture the attention of students is to have a "hook" before the lesson. Implement a strategy, video, activity, or discussion aligned to the lesson.
Some students only need to know how what they are learning is going to be used when they are in the real world setting--how the learning is relevant to the profession.
