Class breaks are important for the thinking and information processing to be effective. Instructors should encourage brain gyms and water breaks to help facilitate the flow of proper information processing and data intake within each students and strengthen neurons.
Teresa Keith, M.A.
General Studies Instructor
Teresa,
Good advice for instructors to remember. We need to provide opportunities for our students to reset their brains and gain their focus as we move to another topic area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
things my students like to do to take a break is plan a little finger food party so we can eat and have discussion. everyone brings something.
Tami,
I have these types of sessions in my classes as well. Food is a great way to get people engaged and settled into the course. Then they can relax a bit and start to share.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes this does work well. I have been doing this for a number of years and I have them get up and walk around or get something to drink, but you have to watch for the ones that try to go to sleep.
William,
Something simple like this is yields valuable results as you have commented. We need to remember to get them moving around so they can rest their brains and be ready to focus on the next phase of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, I find that at least once per hour students and teachers need 5-10 minutes to move around, stretch, and breathe. The brain can only take in so much efficiently before it needs to re-set.
Tina,
Well said and a good practice to follow. By getting the blood flowing you are resetting the brain and that lets students refocus for the next class segment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I give my students a 10 min break every hour and it seems to help them focus for the 5 hours their in class.
Bradley,
It is important to let students reset their minds after a period of time. Also, if you can change the flow of the class and delivery format ever so many minutes you will be able to keep them more engaged as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Allowing students to have a break in between lessons is pivotal for their learning and comprehension. When students have more time to ponder what they have been taught, they retain the information for a longer period of time.
