Good point Laura, I completely agree!!!!
By engaging students with others by assigning them into groups
I would use visual aids and mini games to keep he students on there toes
The lecture you are giving might not be the most exciting thing they have heard but keep moving around the classroom, add some stories or events that have happened in your career that might lighten the topic or just capture everyone's attention. Let them know that something exciting or something out of the ordinary will happen to them at some point during their career or even in their training.
I try to capture attention of the students in my class by varying my teaching style. I will very seldom lecture for more than 15-20 minutes. Instead I engage in a dialogue with the class or break them into small groups. I try to keep in mind that some students are introverts and others are extroverts. Instructional delivery needs to vary.
I also walk around the class. I try to engage all students and get them involved. I may give them an opportunity to voluntarily participate. Otherwise I may ask for the opinions of those that have been silent.
In order to attempt the entire class engaged, I will randomly ask students questions and involve them in the class teachings I will ask inattentive students their thoughts on the subject matter or how they might think the subject matter plays a part in every day or real life situations. I have also on occassion made them group leaders when the class assignment calls for group assignments.
Hi Rajesh,
I like the variety that you use while lecturing. These variations make the lecture more interesting and exciting. We must do what it takes to keep our students attentive.
Patricia
Hi Andrea,
Critical thinking exercises are great! Students really enjoy them, especially your high level thinkers. I always get super participation with these exercises.
Patricia
I assign each of my students a function that they are responsible for doing - for instance if we come accross a challenging word, or a word my students are not familiar with, I have a designated student who's job it is to look up the word right there and then - and its her job to inform us all - Everyone has a job in my class - I have found that this reduces the inattentiveness.
Also I perform a daily mantra prior to me starting my class, I have all the students stand up and take a deep breath and repeat a chant after me - I have also noticed that my students look forward to this everyday - and they even ask me if we are going to do this.
I move around a lot and ask questions throughout my lecture when I teach a residential course as it keeps me and my students on track. I try to engage the students as much as possible during the lectures to help them stay focused.
BY MAKING THEM PART OF CLASS DISCUSSIONS
Hi George-
When I was teaching in the classroom, I loved moving around. It is good for both the instructor and the students and keeps everyone more alert.
Melissa
This is a great topic but I find it more challenging to do this online. I work solely online and find that identifying inattentive students can be difficult. Students may be jumping through the hoops of completing assignments yet not really engaging in the class. I like to use personalized messages and discussion postings to connect with the students personally.
I find that by working with each student, with personalized motivation, I see more interaction.
Melissa
Hi Rosamond,
This is me all the way, loud and energetic. Students love my enthusiasm 8 o'clock in the morning and 8 o'clock at night. No one enjoys boredom.
Patricia
Hi Kescia,
Resources are great motivation for students. It is good for students to hear from other professionals about their career field other than the instructor.
Patricia
I love to involove critical thinking exercises. When I do this it shows the students whether they are inattentive or not that they are part of the class and that their input is important and as a team we come up with some dynamic outcomes. It keeps the inattentive student from getting bored and lets them know that everry aspect of class is important.
When i lecture a class - i always move around to see if a student needs help - At times i ask a student to do a demo,so students get consious on whats being taught.
Make more visual Aids for the students, and making the lecture with the students more involved.
Increasing activities and using presentation during the course.
Moving around the room as i lecture helps. Also asking questions of the students.
Taliking about the career field and having them talk to someone else in the career field besides the instructor.
