I agree if you can show the student someone that influenced you, they will probably see how it affected your career path and follow
Hi Michael,
I like to call upon all students so that they will know they need to pay attention closely.
Patricia
Walking around the class room while I am doing my instruction, using different class dynamics and having a good environmental room conditions.
I make an effort to walk around the class roonm and make eye contact with all of my students. When I have a student who is consistently being inattentive, I will make it a point to stop by his table for a moment while I am walking around the class.
I agree that the best method is to approach the student location and ask a relevant question. Eye contact prior to the move, if possible, with the student will give him/her something to think about from then on.
I usually make it a point to walk closer to that student and directly speak to them or ask them a question related to our topic of conversation.
Impress upon them that the speaker (not necessarily the teacher) has the full attention of the class, then when the inattentive student has something to contribute to a class discussion, you make sure everyone pays attention to him or her. They internalize the self-respect of waiting for everyone to listen to them when they are the speaker, and they develop a better empathy and will focus better on the teacher when the teacher is speaking.
Hi Dale,
It is effective. Students get the drift quickly. I've even ask the students to share their conversation with the whole class; this is effective as well. You do not have any more problems with them...they get it.
Patricia
I will sometimes use field trips to local companies who manufacters medical gases. I will also utilize guest speakers to introduce and give demostrations on specialized equipment.
Make the lesson relevent and add humor.
I find that pausing (for a few seconds) during a lecture when two students are carrying on an unwanted conversation does not embarrass those students, but sends a message subtle enough for everyone to understand. I'm sure it works because it's rarely necessary.
Maybe do something random and out of the ordinary, but still pertaining to the subject matter. It should grab their attention.
Make sure to have an engaging lecture whereby you solicit classroom participation and give points for student participation.
I try and determine why they are inattentive...if they think the material is 'below them', creat a scenario where the information presented is critical to the decisions they make in the healthcare setting, the topic being taught...if they are inattentive due to personal reasons, allow them to openly discuss issues, while you facilitate the conversation, guiding it back to the healthcare setting and showing how open communication allows others to learn and be prepared to help our customers and/or each other
Because there are always a wide range of ability levels in my math classes, it can be quite a challenge to keep every student attentive. Some of the things I have done to keep students focused on the lesson involve showing examples of how what is being taught can be used in their every day life (not just on their career path), being highly animated, constantly moving around the room, using humor whenever possible, and making sure I make eye contact with every student every so often. Have these always worked ... unfortunately not, but I usually have my students' attention.
Hi Gilbert,
Retaining information is very important. It amazes me how little students retain from one subject to another. I always tell my students, you can not forget everything you've learned. The learned information has to be used on the job.
Patricia
Hi Brian,
Great variety; variation adds flavor to any course. Students need and want variety to keep things interesting and exciting.
Patricia
I utilize multiple learning styles. I utilize guided notes, small group discussions, multi-media examples, powerpoint lectures, and opportunities to work on assignments in class in order to make myself available to students who are struggling. This last approach is most effective for the final presentation project. The need to utilize powerpoint in their final presentation is on aspect of the scoring rubric. Many non-traditional learners are not comfortable with technology. By allowing computer lab time to work on projects it allows me to support struggling students with technology. It also allows for student mentors. Fellow students who are more comfortable with technology can pair up with struggling students to provide additional support. It empowers individuals to be supportive of classmates, a skill that can translate to being supportive of co-workers in the workplace.
Hi John,
What kind of hook do you use to capture your students attention?
Patricia
During a 90 minute session, I will have at least three different activities. They can range from lecture to labs to research to doing a one slide PowerPoint to show their understanding of something, work together to complete a case study, etc. This breaks the class up and keeps it moving.
