Start 'em off easy
I've found that a good way to get unfocused students involved is to have everyone do a short oral presentation on the 2dn day of class; nothing big, just a mock letter to an investor, for example. It puts them on notice that they need to participate, and in a manner that progresses them to more difficult assignments.
Hi Paul,
I do something similar, in my accounting class, I have take turns coming up to the board to fill in answers of the problems we work thru as a group. I find this does two things, first, it keeps them engaged as I pick them randomly. Second, it shows me who is struggling with the concepts and who is "getting it".
Laureen
I have students present themselves at the beginning of the course, along with several items they have chosen to represent their goals as students. This places them before their peers to testify to their aims, and also alerts me to the motivations they have in taking the course. I can then customize my approach to their desires and concerns.
Hi Paul,
I solely agree! I use a very similar strategy in my Business Communications class. Students must do a BIG 3-minute and 5-minute speech. I start off by doing a 1-minute simple speech that allows students to speak about themselves. We then do a 2-minute speech on a simple topic, and before you know it, they are less nervous, and they are ready to give their BIG 3-minute speech.
Patricia
