Hi Francine,
Students love hand-on activities. The more you can incorporate, the better.
Patricia
Having hands on labs on what ever subject.
Great idea Stephen. I noticed that some students really like to take charge of the discussion and I don't have a problem with them doing this if it is constructive and beneficial to the class.
Lisa
What has worked for me is having them read something from the textbook or ask a question of another student and then ask for the inattentive student's response.
Hi Robert,
Students really like it and get whenever they can actually do it. Students enjoy hands-on learning; a great sense of interest and excitement is generated.
Patricia
I like to make the student a participant in the lesson. Give him a bit of ownership, chance to show what he knows- just being a part of it brings him into the lecture/subject.
I think the idea of ice breakers are great; also calling on students by name help them to get more involved with the discussion. Sometimes setting up class discussions and allowing students to take the lead organizing the discussion.
I like to use a lot of class discussion, rather than too much lecture. By having a discussion-centered class, students tend to have less of an opportunity to "hide" because all students are expected to contribute and listen to the discussion. This seems to work fairly well.
Try to apply hands on learning.
I like to use groups and ice breakers. Also asking them a question directly helps. I try to keep the class interesting, give extra credit for summaries of the days topics.
I usually pass around visual aids and combine lectures and demo's at the same time. When the students can visual see what I'm talking about they tend to be less distracted with other things. Since I've started doing this, test scores have improved, fewer tardies and absentees.
To capture the attention of inattentive students you can split the class up into groups where everyone has a contribution to make and you can also focus on trying to make your lecture/notes more interestig or different so they may have better understanding of what the class discussions are about.
Hi Katherine,
The more mobile you are as an instructor, the better. Students know they must be alert because you are on your feet watching them, and as the instructor you interject more energy whenever you are moving around.
Patricia
I may start by asking the student a question to get the discussion rolling. I also find it a good idea to call on the student by his/her first name.
The instructor can move around the classroom while taeching.
Include spot quizzes at the end of short lectures, which will require students to pay attention.
I like to use relevant news/periodicals pertaining to course/materials as well as a guest speakers from that field to give a real world views. Students like the fact that this is related to their career. I also ask that they give an experince(s) from their own lives to give perspective and show they contribute to the class and in tern will keep the attention on the material and less on lunch or outside distractions.
real world solutions work well...show them the relevance of the course material...
Hi Melissa,
It is an effective technique. I use it all the time.
Patricia
I usually give my lessons and/or instructions for a project in sections. I find that most students prefer this method over long drawn out lectures. I'll give them what they need to get started on a project or where to pick up reading in the book and tell them I'll go over the next step in a few minutes or even after a break. At this point I walk around and make sure each student is keeping up.
