The course provided a great example of inviting guest speakers to capture the attention of inattentive students. This is a great recommendation to keep the course interesting for both instructor and student!
make it intresting for them
I choose one challenging activity a day and them have them present it to the class. For example, I ask them what are your strengths and weaknesses and why. And then have them present
I really find moving around (w/o making them dizzy) can really help.
First off, I ask them what part of the country they are from and perhaps what the weather is like there today.
Secondly, I inject humor into presentations where appropriate to what is being discussed.
Thirdly, I connect the dots between what we're covering and how it is conducive to positive outcomes (job interviews, etc.)
Hi Peggy,
Great way to grab attention. I can see how this can generate excitement.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Great idea! In today's society everyone knows the benefit of having great computer skills. I like how you make things apply to the real world.
Patricia
Hi Nolan,
I have found that if students know you are going to roam the room, better participation occurs amongst all students. As the instructor you should want to make sure that ALL students are participating in group activities.
Patricia
Seak with them and discuss the issue. Call upon them occasionally and discussion notes of the days topic at the end of the day.
I give my students a real life situation that I have experienced. I also have them participate in hands on training.
I try to incorporate a story based on my experience that focus on a portion of my lecture. I find that this helps some students to hold their focus and realize that the material we are discussing really is used in the workplace.
I'm not quick to learn names. So, I ask that students select a seat at the beginning of a term so that I can create a seating chart. I keep the chart handy so that I may reference it througout the term. It also comes in handy if I wish to call on a student periodiccally for input. I've found that when students know that I may call on someone at random to comment, that they are all generally more attentive. So, I get to learn names and have the added benefit of a more alert class!
I like to compare and apply the lessons of the day (which are always health care centered) to situations outside of the hospital, such as those at home or to current events around the world.
For example, at the end of lecture, I will describe a current event and then ask students to tell me how it relates to the topic at hand or how a current event problem could be solved using techniques learned in class. I find that the more far fetched my example is, the more attentive and enthusiastic my students become!
When finishing a lecture topic and i feel that someone isn't focused I ask "what do you think?" to that student...
I also frequently use small group activities in the classroom, and then I have the groups report back to the class. I try to make sure each member of the group is participating by walking around and asking questions randomly.
If following notes, have students read various slides, so students anticipate their turn to participate. Also, by asking various questions and directing them to individual students or small groups.
My course is computer applications and I have the students relay a real world use for the skill being taught verbally, or I ask them to bring in an example from their job that would benefit from the sue of the skill. This interaction generated relevance and application.
Hi Colleen,
Great practice to use to grab your students attention. Once they see the relevance, they become more interested.
Patricia
To capture the student's attention I try to play games in class that are worth a prize. It seems to wake an inattentive student up for the material when their classmates are having fun or there is competition involved.
I like to find relevant articles or news to bring in that reflect what the lesson is for the day and then have discussion about this.
