Hi Bryan,
Students sometimes can give you very constructive feedback that can certainly make a positive difference in the course.
Patricia Scales
Creating groups where each student gets to take part working on a project or assignment is a great way to get those students more involved. Also, I go around the room and ask each student to answer a specific question about the lecture or powerpoint presentation.
Hi Alan,
I agree! I keep my lights on even when I present from PowerPoint, especially for night classes. You will have a room filled with sleeping students.
Patricia Scales
Hi Teresa,
The verbal-whole-class quiz is a great way to keep students awake. No one likes getting an answer wrong, especially in front of others.
Patricia Scales
One way to capture the attention of the inattentive student is to explain to them what the class is really about and how it will benefit them and prepare them for their career after school is completed. Another method is to talk with the student privately and find out what they think of the class and materials. Ask the student questions on things that they like about the course or things they wish could be better. An open dialog will help you engage your student and open up future conversations. It may also present the opportunity for the student to provide feedback that will help them succeed.
Lights on is always good. It does not require total darkness for powerpoint.
I find that "shifting gears" is a good attention getter. Going a bit off topic every few minutes with a story or activity tends to reel them back in and help them to re-focus and regain their attention.
Just taking a break. Sometimes it can be as simple as having the class stand up for 30 seconds. You can also mix up the presentation/activity style. For instance you could do 45 min of lecture followed by 30 min of verbal-whole-class quiz.
Frequent breaks throughout lecture to discuss the topic
to ask question and make the lecture interesting and let the student answer the question
Hi Kimberly,
This is a good way to keep students awake. No one wants to be hit with the ball,therefore they are really paying attention so that they are not caught off guard.
Patricia Scales
Have a small SOFT ball and whoever you throw it to must answer the question.
Hi Arthur,
No one likes being caught off guard; this is a good way to get students to pay attention.
Patricia Scales
Hi Michael,
Students are more focused when they know they have to perform once they are shown how to do a concept by the instructor. Everyone wants to do a good job when it is their turn to act.
Patricia Scales
I ask the inattenative student a question relavant to the subject matter. The question usually motivates the student to pay attention.
Show them examples of how the topic can be useful when making decisions. For example; when using an electrical meter for testing a component in a circuit I remind the students not to be shortsighted and look at the device they are testing with just one test in mind. Show them how using the meter can evaluate ohms, amps, and volts. Then put the meter in their hands and have them do it themselves.
I will ask distracted students a question relating to a previous slide or ask their opinion on a peticular aspect of the slide presented.
sometimes i feel like my students just dont care. thats when i try to tell a funny storey about something relevant to the subject we're discussing asnd that seems to bring the students back around
So far, I've found success in keeping every single class different, outside the normal lecturing hours. one class might have a team building project, or a movie clip, or an out of the class room "scenario", the constant change seems to really keep the students on their toes, and engaged.
Bring in a guest speaker.
