Sleeping in class
In the adult learning environment, nodding off in class happens occasionally. Before rushing to the teaching style as the culprit, we've found talking to the student about what s/he believes is causing the problem is very helpful. Much of the time we find it's not so much the need to use a different visual aid, but more so, the challenges outside of school that can cause sleep deprivation. Financial difficulties, arguing with spouse/children, caring for a sick child or aging parent, or simply having to work while attending school are common reasons for the inability to remain awake in a classroom environment. I do agree wholeheartedly it is vitally important to "mix it up" and ensure students are engaged in the material presentation whenever possible. But, to really get to the heart of at least some percentage of the root cause, a faculty member or administrator may have to dig deeper to find ways to assist in a grander sense.
As an 1800's Reenactor, I have a very projecting voice. When I notice working people start to nod off, I use inflection in my voice...I tend NOT to have a problem with sleeping students...
When I see a student start to nod off, I usually begin an activity which calls for everyone to move around. I'll have them all go to the board to write something or have everyone get up and pair off with a buddy to discuss what we've just covered. This gets them all moving and doesn't single out the person who fell asleep.
If I am mid-lecture and don't feel I can stop, I'll move near that student and place a hand on their shoulder to wake them without making a big deal.
Carol,
I have a great deal of respect for the student you are describing, though I am not a proponent of allowing a student to sleep in class. Others who may not have her ability to grasp the material may follw her example. You never know what key piece of information the student may miss that could cause issues in a clinical or work situation. A gentle touch on the shoulder or whispering "are you okay" should help a little. Encourage her to stand or go go get a drink,
Jeffrey Schillinger
Stephen,
Perhaps it is time to change up the way you teach the students in the first class. You may need to substitute more active learning activities. Maybe you can take them on a walk around the building on a task related to the course.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Right now I teach two sections of the same class, one section has students falling asleep and the other has students sending me emails about how amazing and rewarding the class is. I must continue to take the advice in this discussion thread. Be thinking of the lives of the students outside that may be wearing them down... and I'll keep figuring out ways to make the class relevant and worthwhile to them.
I have a student who sleeps regularly. I know this student works all day and takes public transportation everywhere she goes. This causes her to spend long hours each day traveling on top of working. She is fine during the clinical portion of our class and is always prepared for class and assignments always completed. She tests well and has a strong grasp of material.Since she only dozes during lecture I tend to "excuse a bit of it". Not sure this is the best way but as long as she is testing well I figure it really is her time. What is the general consensus?
David,
There is no great way to handle a student who sleeps. What you describe is a good method of dealing with those who sleep once in a while.
Jeffrey Schillinger
A great number of students at my school have full- or part-time jobs. I ask about this on the first day of class so I can monitor their habits. If they appear drowsy I ask them to stir up a little, go get a drink of water, or some other kind of activity to get them moving. They are easy to reach; the perpetual sleeper who doesn't work is harder to motivate. Sometimes I have to make them stand for a few minutes to help get them awake again. There's no one formula for success with this problem.
I also think it is very important not to call the student out in front of the whole class it is something you can deal with after class or on a break.
Good point. I didn't even think about attempting to manage an online class, but I imagine you are absolutely right: the archive should be very helpful. I'm getting ready to return to school myself and with a (more than) full-time job, a part-time job and a home to take care of, I know it's going to be a challenge.
Hi Kim,
I instruct in the online classroom and it is obvious that some students do not pay attention during the live chat sessions. Whenever the material is dry in terms of theory, I also use visual aids that have humor to try to stimulate the discussion. However, you are correct that they are so many external factors that make it difficult for the adult learner. Managing a full time job, being a parent, a spouse and trying to go to school full time is difficult and they are truly sleep deprived. One aspect in the online environment is that students who do not attent a lecture can actually view the archive at their leasure. This truly helps.
Randi
Good plan, Thaddeus. We need to find ways to help our students be a success without enabling the behaviors we do not want. Allowing them to go get a drink, to walk around or to go wash their face can be helpful
The more active and interesting our evening classes are, the fewer students will have these exhaustion issues.
When I have a student nodding off in class, it doesn't neccesarily mean that my presentation is boring. I try to determine the cause of the sleepiness, and see if we can find a solution for it. It is definitely wrong to call them out in class.
I think you're right about school being an escape of sorts for some. Students have told me this straight up.
It's a tough one. Is your class very interactive? Hands-on? I know the WIIFM only goes so far when nature says "hey, need to get some rest here!!!" Most of the courses in our programs are pretty interactive which help. Also, we have had quite a bit of success with classes who form a quick bond and help one another through. I've found some of the students are very creative and competitive. They set the bar high and help keep one another motivated etc, even for such inexpensive things like having a pizza party if all the class makes it through each 20-day course together and passes all the tests & lab assignments without turning any in late. It's amazing what the students do for retention - all by themselves.
I totally agree with using an outrageous and/or humorous approach at times just to keep them on their toes. (When I used to teach.)
I think in today's society, people simply aren't getting enough sleep due to work, school, personal life, family, etc, and unfortunately it really shows once they get to school after that long day.
Some things I used to do for those classes first thing in the morning, is I would take them for a quick walk around the block to absorb some Vitamin D. It makes the world of a difference. For those at night, I would try to find something more engaging for them at the beginning of class, like an ice breaker or have something baked off for them. For the most part, i think students do come to school to "escape" from the realities of life and to keep their minds occupied with something other than what's happening outiside of school.
I have the same problem where I teach. My class starts at 6:20 pm and goes till 11:30. Most of my students have a very busy schedule juggling family and work through the day. When I get ahold of them they are exhausted. We discuss it the first couple of days of each rotation and it seems to work fine. They do not try to hide it and if it gets to the point where they can not stay awake they have permission to walk to the back of the room till they feel better...
