Splitting the class into groups is a good way to keep the students engaged, also if the students seem to be getting bored mixing things up by getting them to move around is helpful.
When I lecture I am never in one place.I walk around class.This way I can closely monitor students comprehension of lecture.It helps keep them orderly and attentive. I find t.hat it helps those students with minor hearing loss. As I walk by students,I will occassionally asked a student by name how they are doing today.I finds this helps student feel that I am concerned about their learning process as well as their well being
If I notice inattentiveness, I'll stop the power-point, turn on the lights and break the class into two or more groups. I give the groups a critical thinking exercise relevant to the lecture to discuss. The groups share what they have with the rest of the class. It seems to helps stimulate the class agian.
I sometimes swictch up the routine from maybe starting with lecture to starting with an exercise. I also may start the class or end the class with a minute paper or some type if graded quick assignment that will require the students to pay attention.
I have many ways that I try to capture student attention. I always try to incorporate a career based story with important points that I am trying to make. I also assess the students as I am lecturing. If I notice that I am losing attention I will bring in an activity. Sometimes during an Anatomy class there is a lot of lecture. When I notice it is starting to drag out, we will take a break from lecture, get out crayons, markers, paper, etc....and we will draw pictures and label what we were just discussing. A lot of times this will break up lecture time and they are refreshed and focused when we return to lecture.
Assign a small group project where each member has to contribute. Award points for class participation and let them see you are recding the points earned. Establish a practice calling students by name to answer specific questions you pose to the class.
Leon Guendoo
I break up lectures (including power point presentations)and intergate group activities. I read that research shows ppt presentations over 20 min. normally are too long without a break.
I am fortunate to have access to a lab to intergate demonstrations.
I always start my class with a news flash, something that is intrest to them.
Hi Cindy,
Variety is always a good thing! I too leave the lights on when utilizing PowerPoint. Students get way too relax when the lights are off.
Patricia Scales
Hi Leslie,
I like your outlook! I can tell you give your students you all. Continue to be a great educator. You are definitely right on point.
Patricia Scales
We are in a technical field as a career choice.
Most of our students are picking this field because they all ready have an interest in the field and want to be able to make a living at it. Show some examples of yourself and prior students succeeding in the field and give the potential monetary earnings that can be achieved.
Lights on even during power point presentations. I lecture in different ways each day. Some by power point, some written on the board, demos, etc.
I try to be enthusiastic and conversational when I'm lecturing. I attempt to start the lecture with something that will grab the students' attention such as a stimulating question or an unusual example of the topic. I tend to move around the room when I am presenting information and make eye contact with each student. Focusing on only essential information without going into superfluous detail, I've found, also helps students stay focused.
Establishing a rapport with your students does wonders for helping to get and keep attention during a class. Coming to class early and just taking a few moments to chat with students about things going on in their lives is a great way to get to know students as people and keep their attention during a class.
I really like the idea of one minute papers and randomly calling upon a student to share what they wrote. It forces them to pay attention and hopefully take pride in their contribution to the class.
Our classes run 5hrs a day 4 days a week for 6 weeks. We break every 50 mins. I have found that covering an objective for 15-20 mins and then breaking them into groups to work on a discussion question or for some hands-on application.
When a course is espeacialy tedious I have the students each take a portion of the content and present it to the class. This way all the students are engaged in the learning process.
I like to limit lecture to 20-25 minutes then have a Q&A with students on what was covered for at least 10 minutes. Then a quick recap, take a 10 minute break and then do hands on the second hour of class.
Hi Todd,
When students know that you will sporadically ask questions, they tend to stay more alert. No one wants to be called upon and not know the answer.
Patricia Scales
Hi Danielle,
Variety is key! Students love role playing, scenarios, case studies, group projects, current events, etc.
Patricia Scales
Hi Michelle,
Long lectures should have frequent breaks and variety as well.
Patricia Scales
