Yes, I agree that a loud voice and great energy levels help keep all of my students foused and excited!
Hi Debi,
Great response! We certainly have to be creative in the evenings with these long classes, otherwise we will lose the students. Students like and need variation as you have mentioned during class time.
Patricia
Unless the inattentive student is dealing with some major psychological or social issues that are the root cause of his or her lack of attention, I believe comedy could help. If we are to be as engaging as possible, good comedic timing when appropriate should help.
I don't have any formal training in acting, but I still do the best I can to role play to try and keep everyone's attention.
I agree about walking around the classroom to engage the students, but I also like to inject some humor into lecture topics to make it more palatable and entertaining.
When a class is in the evening for 3-4 hours I think it is important to split any lecture time into 2 - 3 components. By having other activities between the lectures, like small group projects, short Quizzes or a problem for each student to work on that relates to the next part of the lecture, you can try to pull them into focusing on the material. Also a quick Q & A on "How will we use this in our career?" may bring the whole class back to the purpose of being in class in the first place.
Asking questions seems to work the best for me. I'm always surprised at the answers that I receive. The best classes I've taught are ones where the students asked a lot of questions. If I start asking questions everyone gets involved and in return the students begin asking questions.
I think placing them in groups where they must participate and pay attention will allow them to interact and engage in the classes productivity.
I have learned by breaking up the students in smaller groups allow for inattentive students to stay more focused and contribute to the class.
Hi Craig,
Great ideas! Sometimes we have to force our students to be attentive.
Patricia
Two words: group work and demonstration. Put them into groups with more attentive students and assign the less attentive ones more important roles such as speaker, presenter, etc.
First do ask yourself if the material being covered is too difficult or too easy. Does the topic arouse anxiety? If it is not then 1. Break the class into to small groups so they can wrestle with some questions regarding the material. Cruise around to see how the inattentive folks are doing now. 2. Have the class write minute long papers and call on one of the inattentive students 3. Rotate the student seating. 4. Devote time to a class feedback discussion on what factors facilitated and what factors might have interfered with learning in the class. 5. Talk to the relevant student about your concerns not being able to teach in a way that will capture their attention.
making the students apart of the class and asking them to help with demonstrations to keep them involved
I agree that mobility; walking, during a lecture is a great way to capture the students attention especially the students who sit in the back of the classroom.
I also like how you handle a "know it all" who bascially is craving attention. Why not give them just that;by letting them respond to the lecture.
I ASK FOR THEIR HELP WHEN I AM DOING A DEMO, I ASK THEM TO EXPALIN HOW THEY WOULD DO WHAT EVER IT IS THAT I AM WORKING ON, I TRY TO KEEP THEM BUSY SO THEY WILL NOT DRIFT OFF.
That's a great idea... makes it more random, and hopefully helps them to stay engaged. I will have to try this.
Unbelievable but completely true clinical stories. Usually works to capture the attention of even a reluctantly interested student.
Hi Luis,
I like it! What a great way to keep students on their toes.
Patricia
Hi Manny,
Students really become interested in the course whenever they can hear our personal stories as to how they pertain to the coursework.
Patricia
Hi Jennifer,
I like it! Variation of activities is a sure way to keep students fully involved.
Patricia
Hi Joseph,
What do you do to capture your students attention. I like to call on every student very sporadically.
Patricia
