Make every student a part of the lecture
It is your job to find out how to motivate each and every student in your class. You may have to try a couple of different ways to get certain students active but if you don't try the rest will see that if they follow the inactive student they to can get away with paying attention.
Hi Donna,
We have a similar participation policy of 5%. If the student is absent it is an automatic 5-point deduction for attendance as well as participation. Obviously, if you are not there you can not participate. This policy has really made a big difference for better attendance and participation.
Patricia
It helps in our school that class participatin is a part of students' final grades - usually 10%. I point this out on the first day, and if participation begins to lag, I also remind them occasionally. Using a variety of activities also helps to keep them involved. I also ask questions frequently throughout a lecture to have them participate in providing the information.
In my last observation by our Dean of Faculty, she stressed that I had great interaction with my students during the lecture. I told her that half the class were students that I have had in multiple classes. I find that it is much easier to get involvement from the students that you already have a rapport established. After reading this section and reading the first two sections of this class I noticed that there were many things that I was already doing and a few things that I will be tucking away for when I need them.
Terry
I am also a firm believer that you get from students what you expect
I am a mathematics instructor. Math is definitely a subject that is learned by doing and explaining. I keep my students involved in the lecture by having them come to the board and do math problems. After they get the solutions, they must explain how they got it. When the solution is correct, they gain confidence, and it allows their classmates to see this. It also encourages the other students to take on challenging math problems on their own.
Hi Jerome,
I like how you make it known on Day 1 that everyone is to participate. I am a firm believer that you get from students what you expect.
Patricia
On day one I inform students this is an interactive environment, everyone is required to participate during a question and answer lecture and demonstrations in the lab or classroom. Those slow to participate at first are drawn into the action by gently asking easy questions and progressing into greater depth.
Hi Kathleen,
This is a great idea! I like to call on each student to determine if they are understanding, and I am very big on group activities.
Patricia
I wondered how to get everyone involved in the lecture and I read the comment on having them state their feelings. As an A & P instructor, I don't think that would work but I think having them repeat the information in their own words would work. I am always stressing for them to study together because someone might say something in a way that makes it clearer. This would probably work in the classroom, thanks for the idea!
Yes, we must not give up. I try to find creative ways to keep my students interested in the lecture. That is the key, to get te student to become part of the lecture.
I have tried allowing my students who have a hands on learning style to operate power point equipment to keep them engaged in the class subject, but I find after just a few short minutes the student looses interest.
I tell my students on the first day that if they plan on sitting back and watching, that will not happen! They always think I am joking until I ask them for their thoughts on the subject or discussion. I attempt to include all my students and am very vigiliant of the students who try to monopolize the majority of time.
I agree, Patricia. If anyone in life wants to get something out of what they are doing, they must put something into it. Even lottery winners had to spend a buck!
Hi Lauren,
As educators, we must be super motivators! If one thing does not work try something else. It is our job to reach all students.
Patricia
