Capturing student attention
What are some ways you can capture the attention of inattentive students?
Hi Sabrina,
Engery starts at the top with instructors. Engery is contagious. Students want an enthusiastic instructor to add life to the course.
Patricia
I generally do not have inattentive students in my class. As I mentioned in a previous post, I usually have students in their very first class in a very attention- and excitement- grabbing course, medical terminology. I also have a tendency to walk around the class which really gets everyone on high alert ; ) Additionally, my students know (from the 1st day introduction to the course/class) that I give surprise quizzes - which I believe helps in keeping them focused. Of course exuding enthusiasm in your teaching and high energy help as well!
Hello Ms. Scales and colleagues in the forum:
Synchronous webinar-like delivery of my courses does not allow for mobility. Hence, I 'simulate' mobility by using a pointer while I demonstrate powerpoint and spreadsheet techniques; pay attention to the chat box, prompting for questions; and taking 'polls'. These techniques also engage students.
What I have also found is that students appreciate an even-toned vocal delivery when absorbing challenging content.
Best,
Susan Weiss
Hi Susan,
I am happy to know that you circulate your classroom in order to know what your students are doing, instead of sitting behind the desk and the students have to come to you for help.
Patricia
My classes are very hands on. This gives me a great ooportunity to walk around the class and comment on what they are working on. The students that move faster than others are encouraged to "help" out with their neighbors. This usually helps everyone stay focused.
I do short quizzes or reviews in the middle of lecture, asking students randomly, engaging in discussion.
I like to move around the classroom and ask different questions. I also write the questions i have just asked on the board so that incase the students have something they would like to add the answers we go over them again at the end of class. I also at the end of class like to do a "pop" quiz before they go home. They each have to either answer a question or they have to remind the class of something they learned on that day, but no one else can use the same answer or reply. My students before they leave for the day do a quick review on there notes and are prepared to leave.
With the electronic world today, a good way to capture the students attention is though interactive media.
Some of the ways to capture student attention are the following:
- ask a student to provide examples relevant to the topic being discussed
- create small group discussion
- ask a student to perform board exercise for anmswers to given problems
- recitation
- use of visual aids that contains 3-D graphics and colorful contrast of images
All of those are great attention getters which I have tried to utilize in my instruction. I also try to throw out something unexpected and seemingly arbitrary: getting a laugh from the students who can focus on the lecture tends to bring back those who have strayed.
I have found that inattentive students are usually having a problem seeing how the course is going to help them in their career. It is good to get to know the students and their career goals so you can help them see the connection. Once you understand where they are trying to go, you can provide better learning opportunities that will generate interest.
Kurt
There are a few things that can be done. Walking around the room especially being by that inattentive student is one. Asking questions of the class, having a group discussion about the current topic, and breaking the class into smaller groups for a discussion are other ways.
Hi Bridgette,
When students know that they are going to be involved in the lecture, they pay closer attention because no one likes being called upon and not know the correct answer.
Patricia
Allow them to write information on board while lecturing, ask questions while lecturing so they can get a chance to get involved and respond verbally
Hi Jeff,
No one likes to be caught off guard. When a question is asked, students really and truly want to give the correct response.
Patricia
Ask the student questions about whats going on currently in the course.
-Jeff
It is very important that the student knowes we care and that our focus is completely dedicated to getting through successfully. If they are successful that means we were successful as well.
caring about students shows that their self esteme will rise
Tips that I have used are to ask them questions, use a "question, compare and share" method that makes them need to come up with their own answer, compare it with a fellow student or small group and then share their answer with the class.
