Hi Mark,
I definitely would not trying throwing an eraser. I normally remove the student from class after the first verbal warning.
Patricia
I once had a teacher throw an eraser at students who fall asleep in class. Now I ask if the class needs a coffee break
I agree with you Shawn. It always helps to compare the lesson to real life situations.
I like to encourage student participation, which opens the door to differing viewpoints and allows the students to help each other.
Hi Patrice,
Keeping your students entertained is key. Boredom causes to many problems.
Patricia
I try to involve all students in class discussions. Sometimes, I directly ask students open-ended questions, or I place students in smaller groups that require each graoup member to give a response prior to coming back to the large group. Also, I have found it helpful to have a variety of activities for each class sessions to ensure that students don't get bored.
The best way to capture student attention is to be the most conspicuous thing in the room.
As a first year instructor, I guess I'm still searching, I have found by moving to the student or raising my voice I will regain their attention but I have also dropped a book, tapped on a desk, asked the student a direct question, generally off target as not to embarrass them, then I will bring them back into the discussion. So far it has been working but I'm still looking!!
Sometimes they aren't interested in your personal work life.
I try to relate real work experience and how they will use the info.
Hi Ted,
Instant gratification is appreciated by students and needed. We all like chocolate candy bars! :-)
Patricia
I love to add my own job related experiences and life stories to my classes to get the students involved in the course material and relate everyday episodes to course curriculum.
I usually recap a lesson with a Q&A session. I teach mostly, hungry, teen age males, so I will ask a question and give a chocolate bar to the person who answer the question correctly. This generation usually pays attention when they have an instant gratification.
Hi Augustine,
It is a good idea to give the inattentive student something to think about and have them share it with the class.
Patricia
Hello Elizabeth,
I've found that students love active learning.
Patricia
Hi Elizabeth,
Field trips are very engaging and exciting for students.
Patricia
Hello Elizabeth,
Guest speakers are wonderful, and they have a lot to bring to the classroom.
Patricia
What has worked for me in the past is get the inattentive student give or express an opinion on the subject matter or material. Giving them some responsibility makes them feel valued – that they are making a contribution to the learning.
Guest speakers that are dynamic and have a lot of experience can capture students attention. Also role models, coaches, or even celebrities in their particular field.
I find field trips to be very educational.
