"Where did it come from?"
I can definiely relate to the student who asks a question completley off topic. I find this distracting and try very hard not to make them feel foolish or like it wasn't important, but I wish I could prevent this from happening. Also, the "just said that" question...sometimes I feel like all I do is repeat myself.
Julie, I'm glad you are seeing how these activities can help your students focus.
Michele Deck
Even though you just said that one can always, use that time to rephrase and sum up, catching the student that is just coming in from wherever their thoughts had taken them and also letting those that have been listening hear the information one more time.
I teach mathematics which can have a bunch of steps from problem to solution. How about step 1, doing this. Okay you have that great. The next thing...and so on it goes.
I have known about the time frame of interest and learning but must admit that I have not implimented it on this adult level. I think it will help much to break up the day dreaming or I'll do my homework instead of listening when I should
Lisa, this is a common challenge to all of us and we need to practice not getting defensive when people do this.
Michele Deck
