Get Your Students Hired
I try to always have something new and interesting for my class, I think it makes the students realize that you care and that you are completely prepared to teach that particular class.
If a teacher's job is to keep the students engaged, a teacher's job is to ask - how can I make this sometimes inherently dry material less boring?
Keeping the student's attention and focus are always the main thing I strive on. In addition to having a lesson plan that outlines what is in store for the day, I add in little fun activities in between. It could consist of trivia or modern day True or False that relates to them on their level. It manages to spring the class back as one and their interests are back on track.
I agree with you. When I walk into my classroom, I feel great when I'm prepared. But even though we might have a plan for that day, it's sometimes very necessary to deviate from the plan to meet a student's need. We can always return to the plan later.
I agree, I usually start of my class with intros to get to know my students to help me understand their experinces so I can try to deliver the information in a way they can relate to. If they can relate to the topic then they are hooked.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for sharing some very good ideas about dealing with the development of rapport with students.
Gary
That is a great way to keep your classes engaged Rachelle. In my particular environment we too often have instructors that are hesitant to stray away from the lesson plan and are rigid rather than adaptable to their classes. I believe it is important for all instructors to use class comments, questions, hobbies, and other items to add additional depth to any class. As long as I can use the material to segway into the class information & objectives I believe it shows the human side of the instructor. This creates better bonds between the pupil & instructor as well as better learning environment.
Hi again Rachelle,
Definitely we should get the attention from the students all the time and keep them motivated bringing something new every day providing a positive feed back every single minute.
Yuraima