Get Your Students Hired
We often times get so invested in what we are teaching that deviating from the subject is not an option. However, if students are not engaged then we should be able to deviate to a different method so the message is received more effectively.
Have some back-up resources available to get them back on track. We need to keep them busy and help steer them back to remain engaged.
assessing students prior to instruction to establish a baseline of prerequisite knowledge.
I really liked the ideas on how to re engage a class. I especially plan on implementing activity changes when students are not paying attention. Doing so forces the student to think about the importance of what is being presented.
I learned that instructors are to plan courses and lesson carefully and to have enough activities on-hand to fill up gaps in classroom time to keep students engaged and alert. The same is true for planning activities of learning to have enough time for the intended lesson plan.
It is important to budget the time segments while teaching content and gauge the student's attention and engagement. If redirection is needed; then, change focus and activities to engage the students in another way. Also, giving additional resources to enhance learning will help students especially those who are struggling.
When planning your lecture you need to plan for extra time or less time for something when engaging in previous concept. You as the leader needs to judge how to adjust.
When you have been through the course several times you will start to develop a feel for how each unit is going to go and how much time the students will spend on it. Even at this more confident point in your course experience, you will find that different classes work at different speeds.
Be open to changing to plan B when A is not working. Watch your students and adapt your instructional information for your students when they become restless.
When students are not grasping the material presented take time to have them utilize the skills they already have with problem solving through a case study or other activity to help stimulate the skills they have and focus on what they may be missing.
Trying to stay flexible with the presentation when the class isn't into it or just not getting it.
Being able to pivot on the spot and change what you are doing or how you are instructing is key.
I think it's important to have an arsenal of various types of activities and assignments to allow for broader understanding and retention of information. Doing the same types of activities over and over can affect a student's interest in the content and create boredom. I used to hate it when a student comes into the classroom and says, "what are we doing today?". I used to want to respond with "look at your syllabus" but I've realized that if they have to ask what we're doing, then I'm doing something right. They may know what we're going to talk about from the syllabus, but they shouldn't know all of my moves before I make them. It keeps it fun and interesting.
Redirection is necessary when students become off-task. I wait or may do a task that hints at my students they should pay attention and eventually this will win the audience over.
Pay attention to the vibe in the room. Be ready to change course. Be ready for plan B. Find solutions to students who are not at the same knowledge base.
This unit made me think that I should assign the 4 learning styles as a requirement for my students when they present on a topic so they cover all four. Also trying to break up my content more, into bite sized pieces.