Keep the students engaged!!
Retention is also aligned with keeping the students engaged. Having plenty of activities for students helps them feel that they are important and cared about by the faculty and staff.
I also agree,each student learns differently. Some are visual, auditory etc. I have found that when they work together in groups they are more engaged then when there is only a lecture.
Roiketa--
This is great! Allowing students to discuss information related to the chapter material also provides you with an opportunity to assess what they already know...and gives them the opportunity to share with each other. What a wonderful learning environment.
Susan
I love having class discussions. I usually like to ask my students about different topics that are related to the chapter that I am teaching from. I give my students the opportunity to share what they know or have heard about that specific topic. I try to make each one of my students feel as if they are one of "my little geniuses" whether they are right or wrong. It creates a comfortable, fun-filled, positive, engaging classroom setting that keeps the student wanting to come back for more.
Donald--
Great observation. Letting them review what they've mastered allows them to see the progress they've already made. Sometimes it's important to look back and see how far they've come!
Susan
I find that adding real world question/ answer sessions during class proves to the students they are already successful
YES!! Be MORE creative than they are!
Thomas--
This is a great idea! In addition to the classroom material, it allows the students to interact and coordinate completing a 'project', which is exactly what they will have to do on-the-job.
Susan
I agree that the student should feel comfortable when being wrong in the classroom. No one has all the answers, not even the instructor should have all the answers if they are experimenting and learning new ways of providing the material.
My students have always enjoyed being able to design their own exam. I let them do this one time during the quarter. They work in teams, eack team having responsibility for part of the exam and then each team coordinates with the others to complete the exam.
Kim--
Excellent points and suggestions. Sounds like you are very intentional about making your classes stimulating as well as informational. Great job!
Susan
It is very important to keep the environment of the classroom stimulating. I primarily teach classes that include plenty of hands on lab time, however there are several classes that are all lecture. Those are the ones I find I need to be extra creative with. Often I will find exercises that can be done in class to breakup the lecture. These may be labeling exercises, games, word finds, etc. I often will review or quiz them at the end of the class to make sure they were paying attention. I require each student to ask at least one question or provide one comment on the topic we discussed for the day as well. This helps keep their attention, but also provides an opportunity for them to get comfortable with asking questions and not feeling inadequate. My classroom is always a safe place for them to express themselves without being embarrassed.
I like your point about talking to them, not at them. I find making eye contact is important, and also interacting with them on a individual basis when we move from the classroom to the lab is important. Personal attention give them the feeling of working together and more inclined to stay engaged.
I like to provide several opportunities for my students to explore the various topics in depth to keep them engaged. I do this by providing additional web pages, books, articles and videos (some of which I make on my own) to help them maintain an interest in the topics.
engageing student in Q and A have been a big part of my classes. Activities that get them out of thier seats is also usefull
I agree you have to keep them moving and thinking
Carroll--
You make a great point about not talking 'at' people. This is very important. We all need to know we are being heard. Especially like your idea of making a list that you share. Great idea!
Susan
I always mke sure to talk to the students, not at them. I have each one tell me their hopes concenring their career and the use of the class for achieving these hopes. I make a list of the hopes and dreams and use it to remimd them what they want when they have a rough day.
I find that adding challenging activities during class proves to the students they are already successful
Lisa--
You are so correct! Having classes that are interactive and engaging and important. Small group work, lab sessions...they all contribute.
Susan
Activities are key to engaging students. How many times I remember my head bobbing during hours of lecture. I think fun get out of your seat, bond with your classmates, keeps students engaged.
