I always walk to where they are seated and ask them a direct question in a friendly way to engage not humiliate.
Hi WENDY,
Role playing normally captures students attention. We have some really good actresses and actors enrolled in college. Students tend to understand the concept when it is played out.
Patricia Scales
I agree role play is a valuable tool it getting the attention of students. After the role play scenario the instructor can offer vital feedback that a bored or zoned out student may have not received during a lecture.
I try to get them out of the books and lectures by having them give answers by role playing, or having a set of scenarieos for them to role play. Using simulations on the computer with vertual settings is also a awesone way envolving that kind of student. Changing places and allowing them to be the leader/instructor lets them understandy things about themselves and keeps them engaged
I often present small groups to work together, however I realize that often the will continue to be just as inattentive in this small group, so I often assign them the task of being the "leader" of the group to challenge their engagement. This also assists with me determining whether this student is having a more serious problem that hasn't been addressed.
One strategy that works well for me is to call on random students unexpectedly. By calling on all students (attentive and inattentive), I can engage the class and keep them on their toes.
First and most important question is the preparation of the class with all the elements request. Start the class reminding some important objective of the last class.
I make fun of them, not that they are not paying attention but something in their life that I may have discovered at an earlier time. I allow them to make fun of me back, we have fun in my class. they learn sometimes without even realizing thqat it is happenning. You need to be a real person to them and they will respect you for it. I do not make fun of them on day one, I get to know them as quickly as I can and then I ineract with them as people. They laugh and I laugh and in turn we both learn.
I have found sharing real life experience about how I have done something or used the topic at hand to complete a task really gives the student a value reference for the subject
I like the stand near or in front of them approach. I have found it very affective.
After a test I like to go over the course requirements and go over how many tests are left and help the students do a self assesment of their situation. I found in the past that student at a table that has a lot of talking during lecture will have many students relocate in the classroom after they have had a poor or low scoring test.
I capture student who are inattentive right at the very start of class by telling them that i will throw questions to anyboby and the answer will be graded.
Keeping things exciting. Changeing your tone of voice, and asking for student participation. Unaatentive students is usually because they are bored. Same as us :)
My greatest avenue of success in capturing student attention is to allow them "in on" my own passion(s) for the subject matter and field of study. In an artistic / creative area, passion of expression is expected and required. By allowing students to see the degree to which film and storytelling matter to me, and the ways in which I believe they matter to the world at large, students see the value and attraction to giving oneself over to a field of study.
In this day and age, students (and people) notice when someone stands at the front of a room and has the comfort to share the sentiment, "This matters to me, and here's why." Seeing someone with a devotion to their craft and then having that person identify and assist in reaching the touchstones along the path to achieving the same successful devotion has proven to be quite powerful in regard to capturing student attention.
A way to capture the inattentive student is to assign class groups where there would be more focus and accountability.
I usually ask the studnet to assist me in the class. I engaged all the students with question directed just to them individually. I add critical thinking question to the inattentive student.
Making a connection to something students have gone through as well is very effective!
Using a diverse style daily lesson plans. Helps to keep learning exciting and interesting.
Hi Sharon,
Students love having fun while learning. Students will work hard if they know they will be rewarded from winning.
Patricia Scales
Have group activities and possible a guest speaker
One way is to engage the student in what is going on in the class have them set in small groups. Some times it takes peers to help them understand that the course is really about.
