Hi Jesse,
We need to make sure that our energy level is high when we are teaching. Enthusiasm is contagious, and it starts with the insructor.
Patricia
Sometimes just a change of scenery is enough to get the creative juices flowing in students that have lost their attention. Having the students move to other chairs in the classroom, or move outside altogether, can get their hearts pumping and wake up their brains once more.
As I go through my class I try to make eye contact with my students. fortunately most of my classes ar fairly small so this is possible. If I see a student becoming disingaged, I begin to ask them questions I also try to dsplay my own interest in the subject and maintain a high energy level. Silnce I instruct on topics the students will use in their careers on an everyday basis.I keep bringing verbally into the class presentation and often in a hands on level.
Jesse W
I will break the class into cooperative learning groups or do a role playing activity that will require active participation. This will help the student to be redirected back to the class.
Hi Cindy,
I like your variations during class time. I really like how you utilize your yes claps. I can tell you have a lot of energy being utilized during this 5-hour class.
Patricia
for medical terminology I actually have them to come up to the board in groups of three and write and spell the terms on board. They have no choice to remain on their toes.
There has to be light, you need seem alive to them as well and spark their interest. monotone teaching will not appeal to them they just tone you out.
Assign them a task of some sort to "engage" them.
I have found that walking around during a powerpoint and standing near the student or students keeps them a little more involved
Hi Denise,
The idea of making math applicabe to real life experiences works. Students get it if we can make it applicable to life.
Patricia
I try to keep the lecture upbeat--I know that math problems are no one's favorite but by trying to relate the lesson to a student's future career choice and possibly to real life experiences, I try to engage the student into participating. I also am constantly moving in class, trying to move the focus point and keep the attention on me and the lecture. As previously stated, I also tend to ask questions of the students for their input and to make sure that they have been paying attention.
find something that interest them and make a project out of it.
Hi Cyndi,
I like how you try to include the students' interests in your lectures. Students like it when you give them a very personal touch; a connection is established.
Patricia
I try to use humor..usually those type students are quick-whitted, and you can engage them more on their level.
When I first meet the students during our first class. We do an "ice-breaker" game, like pulling questions out of a hat regarding their likes, dislikes. I make a note of their answers. In upcoming classes, I try my best to incorporate each student's interest in my lecture, activity, etc. It is difficult at first but by the end of the quarter, it's a breeze. It seems to keep them interested and attentive during out activities.
I do try to make my lectures interesting from the outset by using illustrative examples, stories and personalities from the news and even from personal experiences. I encourage participation by asking questions that draw out their own personal experiences as related to the subject. Sometimes when I sense boredom setting in I make them do something physical such as stretching, to break the monotony.
INATTENTIVE STUDENTS ARE SOMETIMES HARD TO DEAL WITH. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I WAS ONE WHEN I WAS A STUDENT. FOR ME ONE WAY OF CAPTURING THEIR ATTENTION IS KNOWING THE REASON OF THEIR INATTENTIVENESS. IT COULD BE FROM BORING LECTURE TO PERSONAL PROBLEMS. TO DO THIS, A TIME MUST BE GIVEN TO TALK TO THESE STUDENTS TO ADDRESS THE THEIR ISSUES. FROM THAT SOME PROGRESS CAN BE ACCOMPLISH...
I walk around the room throughout class and I stop and make eye contact or have silence to draw everyones attention and then begin with a few questions. I have one on one's at break, at tiem invite them to step out if they need to. I also do yes claps, throw balls, stretches etc. every 20 to 30 minutes. Students are asked several times throughout the 5 hour class to write down 3 things they have learned.
Students also recieve points for note taking and maybe once or twice use them on an assessment.
In teaching accounting I place studentsin partnerships of a business. They each will invest into the business as well be responsible for the working of the business.
Other students will be there clients and some of the students will be the vendors.
I always seem to have a fight over who will be the salesperson for the sale of a new delivery truck that needs to be purchased.
Not only does this help in teaching the material yet also gives the student some presective of running a small business.
THis is just a simulation to running a business.
Hi Jennifer,
Having the blinds open can be up lifting in itself. There is nothing like being able to look out at nature.
Patricia
I agree! I myself can fall asleep in the most interesting of situations if it is dark enough in the room. (Yawn) Anyhow, another tactic I use is opening the blinds between power point lectures and group activities. I also like to have the blinds open for max lighting in the mornings.
