Hi Kimberly,
I also like to roam the room to keep students on their toes.
Patricia
Some ways you can capture the attention of inattentive students is to split them up into groups.
I try to continuously ask questions throughout my lectures. I have noticed this helps my students engage in the material, even those students who have a tendency to be inattentive.
It is important to find out what interests the students ie current events, etc.
Hi Carol,
Walking the room is so valuable to an instuctor! Walking the room adds for better control, more interaction with the students, visual as to what students are doing, determine if students are grasping or not, etc.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
When students are involved in the lesson, it forces them to really pay attention so that they know what is going on. No one likes to be caught off guard.
Patricia
I always walk the room. If you walk behind a student that is texting your using thier cell phone, they will be sure to put it away, also it's uncomfortable for them to have you so close while they are distracting themselves. Even after a demonstration I walk the room to see what they are working on and if it is being done correctly.
I would be sure to make eye contact with them, ask how are you when giving breaks, walk around the room, and give challenges to keep them alert.
I think both Joanne and Jordan have made a great point in capturing student attention. Some students like to hide themselves in numbers. If all students know that they will be called upon randomly to questions, they will need to remain engaged in classroom activities. A "gradual release" of learning responsability from teacher to student is the key.
Joanne brings up a useful solution here. Small groups change the dynamic of the entire class. Then to add to that, groups should be tasked to provide responses to some activity. Each member of the group will be persuaded through peer pressure and encouraged to contribute. In addition, it can be made to be a competitive but friendly atmosphere with rewards to the group with the most correct responses. Does anyone have any different experiences or suggestions regarding small groups?
Being a little unorthodox I usually call them out in a loud but somewhat humorous manner to pay attention. A little chat outside of class about expectations helps too.
One way I try to capture student attention is to directly reach out to them to set up a phone call or live virtual meeting. I send out emails to my students letting them know I want to see them succeed. I include messages of support and encouragement and present myself as a resource for overcoming some of the hurdles blocking their successful completion of the course. When students see me as an ally, they are more receptive to my ideas on moving forward with the class.
I frequently take candy to class to toss at students who respond to discussion questions. Most recently the many flavors of Oreos was discussed so I brought in six types. One student knew they were coming in advance and brought her own peanut butter for dipping. We called it a "code and munch" day (I teach medical coding) and students loved it. Besides, many students frequently don't have money for lunches and something as small as the treats I bring to class may be the only nourishment they have throughout the day. We also reward students with "career cash" that gets handed out in class for good behavior, participation, good test scores, etc. Students love showing each other their stash.
small groups is a good idea
Hello Ms Scales,
One way I like to capture an inattentive students' attention is by having an open discussion about the expectations and fears about actually going out in their selected fields. I find the feedback is quite stimulating because most of the students basically have the same concerns.
I like these ideas. Eye contact, getting them involved, standing the students all up walk around the classroom discusing the lab and things in the classroom
Hi Dallan,
I like the idea of trying to have a redundant teaching cycle so that students have a second chance of getting information. I let my students know if they miss information that I will meet them before class or after class to make sure they get what they missed.
Patricia
I always try to picture myself in their shoes before I begin a lecture. I am not your "average" demographic, but I try to see how they may see what I am explaining. I have found that most of the time when a student is inattentive they have fallen behind the information curve, and see no incentive or possibility of catching up. They need to see how critical the information they missed is, in relationship to their career, and they need to feel like they can catch up. One on one, I don't have this issue. But in a 30+ class size, I have to remember that people fall behind all the time. I try to have some redundant information cycles in my teaching. If they didn't catch it the first time, it will come around again.
A great way to capture students attention is by sharing personal life expierences, that can make them feel more comfortable in your class
Hi Rachel,
Students love it when the lesson is highly interactive. Students are able to exert engergy whenever movement is involved.
Patricia
