I use a system of sticks in a cup. I have the name of each student written in a stick. For every student I have three sticks. When going over class material, assignments, discussions, etc instead of waiting for students to volunteer their participation, I take a stick from the cup. That student responds to the prompt, and for the next prompt, I pull a second sticks and so on. Since each student has 3 sticks in the cup, they need to remain engaged and prepared to participate. Once every student has participated 3 times, all the sticks go back to the cup and the process begins again.
I make class fun for them and if I see that they are drifting I re-route their attention
I like that way of teaching because it rounds out just about all the senses and helps to absorbs the materal better.
I like that and do it offten but the best part is the instant reactions from the students.
I like to mix up the format of the class. Sometimes I lecture, sometimes we do group work, sometimes there are videos, etc. By instituting different activities, I can keep students on their toes and appeal to a wide variety of learning styles.
I found using on the Job stories and experiences helps tie the material covered in class to real world application
I generally progress around the room, so students come to know that the next question will be their's. This has its pros and cons.
Positively, it spurs the students to read ahead and to stay involved, and ultimately prepared to answer their question.
Negatively, they are concentrating on reading ahead for their question, and they are not focused on the material currently being discussed.
Other ways that I've used include, games and scavenger hunts relative to the course materials
I have alot of energy as an instructor as I move around alot. I have a small class so it's not hard to notice the daydreamers or nodding off students. If I start to see this, I immediately start dialogue with a current event of the day/week relative to the lecture or I will stop the lecture for a 5 minute timeout and ask them about their day. Almost always they have something exciting they want to share with the class or a challenge in which the class offers encouragement for the student. Sometimes a student will share something humerous. It really builds comraderie and it perks them up the rest of the class.
While I do feel that lecture is important, discussion and interaction is key! This is one (of the many) reasons that I love online learning! Students must participate in a meaningful way in the course discussions for credit. By reading and interacting with students in the discussion forums I get a great idea about what materials resonant with them. Additionally, I learn about the topics that are most important to individuals student. From their I can expand on certain areas and develop materials that complement their learning. Sparks can fly when inattentive students see that the instructor wants to dive deeper into topics that are of interest to them. Lacey Finley
Hi Joseph,
Visual is a great way to gain students interest. Seeing is believing and very exciting and motivating.
Patricia
I thy to capture students attention by giving them visual and physical aid for what I'm teaching that day.
As stated before, being able to move around the room especially these days when students can be texting or playing solitaire or even chatting with their friends on facebook during my lecture.
I have started using a wireless mouse so I can do many of my demos as well as run my powerpoint from any location in the classroom.
I have also created a list of pop quiz or hands on exercises to keep the students involved.
We teach a 4 to 5 hour class so keeping it lively is very important.
Hi Linsey,
Super list! I also like to have bell ringers. I ask a simple question 5 minutes before the students leave based on the lecture/activity of the day to keep students on their toes. Bell ringers are worth 100 points toward the students daily grade.
Patricia
Hi Christina,
Great variety to keep your students engaged! I like to use technology every opportunity that presents itself. I also like to talk salary with them.
Patricia
Hi Leanne,
Anytime active learning can take place, students tend to be very engaged. Utilizing technology is a sure winner as well.
Patricia
Hi Rosemarie,
This tactic is very effective. These students know exactly what you are doing, and I have seen where most will perk up and begin to become attentive.
Patricia
I usually capture the attention of inattentive students by bringing the attention toward them.
By asking them questions or suggestions, this tactic usually brings them back to the class discussion.
By using props or making students engage in activities where their participation is needed in order for the machine to run smoothly. Group discussions, engaging activities, such as jeopardy, are a couple of the ways an instructor may engage their students.
By doing the following:
1. Stay more often in the area where the students are sitting.
2. At the end of a class,ask everyone to summarize a key point or points of the class.
3. Call on the student when asking questions.
4. Put the student into groups when feasible
5. Ask each student to make up a question on the material presented for them to ask another student in the class.
6. Ask the students to write down any questions on the subject matter they did not understand.
I like to include examples from popular culture, particularly music, videos (youtube clips), shows, movies or video games that my students are familiar with. This automatically captures their attention and engages them from the get-go.
