I give a short summary of a chapter then the class gets into small groups to play Jeopardy as a whole class. I give a reward or bonus to the group who wins. They seem to have a great time learning and the students have become supportive of one another. I have found them working outside of class in study groups preparing for the upcoming game. It tends to capture the attention of any inattentive students in the class.
Hi Shane,
I do not believe in embarrassing a student in front of the class. It can get real ugly when this happens. A student will do whatever to save face when he/she is embarrassed in front of the class.
Patricia Scales
I rarely embarrass them in front of the class. What usually works for me is if I speak to them after class and let them know I see that they're drifting, and I'm concerned that they'll miss something important. That personalizing approach tends to pay off.
Hi Kay,
I love your energy level! Enthusiasm/excitement begins with the instructor.
Patricia Scales
Hi Robert,
Getting involved with all students is a great way to grab their attention! An involved instructor is an effective instructor.
Patricia Scales
A method that I utilize is somewhat theatrical in that I am constantly in motion, around the class demonstrating concepts, calling upon/utilizing random students to illustrate visually some part of days lesson.
Walk up and get invovled with them. work one on one. pair them up with a stealer student
I like to call their name out loud for them to contribute to a class discussion and or input. This usually helps them to stay attentive so that if called again they are prepared and or alert and can add value to the topic of discussion.
I will make an effort to incorporate something they have added during a class session in hopes of bringing them into the discussion as an active leader on a topic. I will sometimes ask these students a direct question to re-engage them in the lecture.
I believe active participation is key in the classroom. I make a concerted effort to solicit answers/discussion from everyone in the classroom.
Change or assign seating, roam the room during lectures, or by entering into their "space" so they have to put away the distractions.
We use powerpoint slides during lecture time, and have found that interjecting relevant pictures and videos can help keep students' attention. I also will have the students take turns reading what is on the slide out loud to the class and then try to explain what the information means. (instead of just my voice droning on and reading slide after slide). When they are anticipating not only being called on, but expected to read aloud and explain, the students make sure they are paying close attention.
Hi Angie,
Great idea to get students to focus! No one likes being caught off guard.
Patricia Scales
I like to put everyone's name on a popsicle stick at one end and a red dot on the other end. When I ask a question and go to the popsicle sticks. The students never know whose name I will call. Sometimes I put certain names in twice to double the chances of being called on. Everyone will pay attention then.
I find that any time I can shift the focus of our lecture of the day back to how the student can apply it in their field, the interest level increases. I also find that the interest level increases for the class when students are asked to share their relevant experiences.
One of the best ways i have found that will capture a student attention is to tell real life experiences and they relate to work they are learning.
First and foremost, you must be excited about your topic. Your attitude about the content will rub off on them. It will shape their opinion before you even get started.
I had a chemistry teacher once, that started our first class off with a small (contained) explosion. He got our attention! He wanted us to know that he found Chemistry fun! It certainly set the tone.
I set students up with a short research activity that they will then have to discuss with a group or in class. It's pretty simple, give tham something to do and don't bore them to daeth with lecture. We know that the least amount of retention comes from lecture so whay are we still doing it so much?!!
I agree, having the student(s) involved as opposed to lecture does give away to the mundane lecture (i.e. Ben Stein on Ferris Beuller's Day Off) of an Instructor.
i like to give them some one on one time, usually by giving them a personal demo.
