Dealing with Unfocused Students
I have found through my years teaching that unfocused students require a variety of stimulants to maintain their attention. I enjoy breaking up the routine of lecture with visual aids such as power point presentations, videos, or guest speakers.
Students vary in their learning styles. Be switching between different modes of instruction the teacher can help students maintain their focus in class.
Brain research says that for adolescents, a change in instruction mode every 15 minutes is the most effective. For adults, attention span is longer, but the old saying of "the brain will learn only as long as the bottom endure" seems to ring true. Switching presentation modes seems to keep the attention of students.
In your list of alternate methods of presentations you could add such things as smart boards and document cameras.
Hi Roy,
According to research for adults, a change in instruction mode should take place every 20 minutes. The key is to not let the students become bored.
Patricia
Hi Racquel,
A variety of teaching methods must be utilized to keep the student's focus. Shifting gears every 20 minutes is effective as well.
Patricia
Usually during any given lecture or demo, I will stop for a minute for a "mini-quiz" of the information we just went over. I will call on students by name, and always call on some of the ones who are "wandering". I have found that this not only grabs attention, it also kets the students know that they may be called on and must pay attention.
