Hi Don,
I too am real old school. I do not allow cell phones. I am on my feet the entire period so that my energy level is in full effect to get my students attention.
Patricia
Julie,
I require that students do not text in class, setting the ground rules early in the course has a high impact later on. I may be old school but texting unless it is an emergency has "no place" in the classroom.. BTW, walking around is something I do as well this is a great motivator for students to be on their "toes" as you indicated.
Hi Julie,
I never sit when I am teaching. I feel more in control when I am standing. My energy level projects more as well when I am standing. At my institution there is a no texting policy during instructional time.
Patricia
I like to keep the students engaged and make sure the lesson for the day completes the objective I started off with,not leaving the lesson open without an end.
Hi Kristine,
Super idea! What a great way to incorporate what the generation loves...technology and YouTube into the learning process.
Patricia
when i teach, i dont stand behind the podium! i walk around, if their is an empty chair i will sit in it, next to a random student. if they are texting, i will walk up behind them and start to lecture. i will then ask them what they think about the topic we are discussing or to give me an example of what i just taught. this keeps them on their toes!!!
I have had success in adding video elements to the class that involve the material of the course but present it through a youtube video, a reality televison show or a movie. I ask the class to watch the video through the eyes of an individual who is taking my particular course. After the video, we discuss the content and also discuss whether being in the course caused the student to watch or consider the material differently.
Engaging the students from the very beginning is key to obtaining their attention. The school that I work for incorporates somatic therapy with lecture and theory discussion. Instead of having the students sit down taking notes in the beginning, we do an activity using real life scenarios. This exercise will set the basis for the application of the information learned in lecture. It allows every student to be involved. It allows them to make mistakes, which I think is important to do. Making a mistake in a fun yet controlled environment lets the student know that no one is perfect and that we can all learn from our experience. After the lecture, the students will try the activity again so that they can apply the knowledge they learned and see how much easier the activity is done. I also try to allow time for group discussion so that we can understand the reason for the activity and how it applies to the lesson.
I try to make sure that our lecture and labs are very interactive. I show videos, hold class discussions, play class games, critical thinking puzzels, and powerpoint presentations to try and get each and every student involved and excited about being in class. I always reference real-life situations as well.
Hi Jessica,
What do you do to capture students attention? I like to go into class with an abundance of energy and mention income every opportunity I can.
Patricia
i like to use humore as a way of capturing my audience...as a chef instructor a little charm and personality makes them feel comfortable but also a firm lesson plan and staying on track helps too. So, that you don't lose them.
I like to bring incentives that include the class as a whole. I feel that when an instructor allows a certain something to happen; usually temporary, to them in this incentive, the class reacts very positively to that.
Example: If all members of a class pass with A, then class can pick the color of hair for the instructors next hair do.
Or temporary tattoo that is relevant to the topic of the class.
I like to be involved with any incentives that are brought to the table, however, I make it clear up front that I, as the instructor, get the final say on what the end reward is before it is agreed on.
I TRY TO HAVE MANY INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES. CASE STUDIES, OPEN ENDED DISCUSSION RE: SITUATIONS APPLLICABLE TO THE REAL WORLD THE STUDENTS WILL ENCOUNTER
Hi Melanie,
Students need to know that their opinions matter. Students feel a sense of importance whenever they are listened to.
Patricia
If the student is inattentive.. I will rephrase a discussion topic and call on the student to see how he/she feels about the topic, being careful not to embarras the student. In my role as an instructor I will help to facilitate the response to help the student with their communication to the group.
Hi Michael,
Energy is such a trickle down effect, and it starts with the instructor. The instructor sets the tone for the class.
Patricia
Hi Karen,
I like the whole idea of diagnosing the client's problem and solving the client's problem. This scenario is so real for students, and I am sure generates a lot of excitement.
Patricia
I usually need to clarify that I was teasing or joking ...then say I wanted to be sure everyone was alert and ready to go with the agenda for the day.
It is more fun when everyone laughs or gasps and then I know we are all ready to roll with lesson/activity/learning.
I agree. Most everyone is interested in making more money. An honest disclosure of salary possibilities is a real motivator.
