i try to move around the class during lecture and if using powerpoint, i will stop to point out certain information in their books, so basically im trying to keep them active.
I don't "call them out" in class but when we get into production (culinary school) I try to find out why they are distracted, show them that I understand their problem, and explain to them why their attention is needed.
When I get on a certain subject about lectronice devices that I really want the student to understand how to hook up in certain schematics I try to have all students hook that project up themselves as I do the demonstration. I will show them what will happen if the project is hooked up correctly plus what will happen when they hook it up incorrectly. This will usaully help them out with the rest of the projects.
Hi Benny,
What a great mixture whenever you can lecture and demonstrate at the same time. Visuals are a sure way to capture attention.
Patricia
Hi Amani,
I make it a point to call on every student throughout the class period to answer various questions.
Patricia
Being a culinary instructor my demos and lectures are combined and while I'm demo/lecturing i ask them questions and create discussion about what we are producing.This helps them retain the information and makes them part of the lecture.
Hi Ulises,
Students like being involved when learning is taking place. Whenever students know that you will require their participation, they will certainly be more alert.
Patricia
Involve some real life examples they may have experienced
make the student part of the learning process, get them involved either by asking their opinion on the subject currently being discussed or by asking them to be part of a demonstration.
It can be difficult to capture the attention of a student in a math class, but I will always try to find out what a students' interest is, and show how math is relevant to that interest.
This is good advice George, I also try humor it will break the monotomy of the class and suddenly everyone is more attentive.
Hi Ashley,
Great list to entice students. I also like to do role playing when applicable along with PowerPoint presentations.
Patricia
I have a very dynamic delivery style due to the fact that I am hard of hearing so I will shift my focus, orate in opposing directions to make sure I can be heard, and use lots of eye contact and non verbal communication imbedded in my lectures to assess my progress and development of the day’s goals.
I will often stop and ask if I am clear and then ask students to teach back to me what they have just heard in their own format so that the rest of the class can hear the material from a beginner perspective- effectively allowing them to learn from each other with my guidance. Including them in that type of environment fosters an excellent relationship with their peers as well as the instructor. It includes them more and aids them in feeling as if their input is important BECAUSE IT IS!
Capture their attention by involving them
I incorporate videos, hands-on activities, group discussions and group work with my lectures to help keep all students focused and interested in the subject matter.
I always begin a new session with a review of the previous session -- It allows the students time to get their "heads back in the game" and allows me time to assess what they heard and got.
Also, as much as possible I call on students by name -- it lets them know that I know who they are, and keeps them on their toes. If a student has "drifted away," using their name is an effective way of getting them back -- though I try to take care not to be putting them on the spot too much ... I'll repeat the question, and will be quick to let them off the hook for an answer ... but still, I have their attention again.
Hi Robin,
Role playing is such an exciting way of learning. Some students are extremely great at role playing and others really do learn from their acts.
Patricia
Melissa, I agree. The movement and complete interaction of the instructor is key to student coperation, and it just makes them feel more comferable.
I enjoy doing role plays if the material permits. Students never know who I'm going to call out to role play or ask them questions on the material we are covering.
I move around the room quite a bit, inject humor with past experiences, and ask alot of questions. It seems to keep them focused on the lecture and text.
I agree whole heartedly! The more interaction and up put of the seat activities you do the better able you will be to keep their attention and inthusiasm.
