If you are bored, how do they feel?
I try and always think about what I am doing in the class room from their perspective. If I am boring myself with my own lecture; what must it be like to be them having to sit and listen to it?
I always try and keep the lecture interesting and fun but above all informational. Thats the hard balance to keep. How do I give them the information they came for without being boring with the details?
How I give them the information they came for without being boring with the details is to demonstrate the benifit of the information. Why knowing this particular information will benifit them in their careers and make them better techs. IF they see "what's in it for me" then they are more open to learning the information.
I start them very basic and tease the "hard stuff" to keep there attention. This keeps me alert, with them asking questions and keeps them awake waiting/wanting answers
Your statement is very true. The new generation isn't willing to put forth any effort unless that see imediate return. The instructor can share with the students things that benifited his own career.
Keeping them involved sometimes can be easier if you use case studies or problems that they are experiencing on their own cars. I am a big believer of project based education .Tell them a problem and have them solve it with your help. If they see that they are able to use what you are going over in the real world they are more likely to learn it and retain it.
Keeping them interested is a matter of keeping them thinking. I try not to talk for more than 5 minutes in a row without asking at least one student a question that will likely provoke a small discussion with my class.
I agree. I enjoy the subjects that I teach and I think that it shows through to the sutdents. If a student can see that you are just going through the motions of the class, how important is the lesson of the subject that is being covered? If you are not having fun, why the hell are you doing it?
Unfortunately, there are people who continue in a job they no longer enjoy simply because they don't know what else to do or don't have the confidence to seek other opportunities.
I have yet to find the subject that I teach boring. I teach motorcycles and so it is easier I think, for me to be interested in what I teach. I will say that if it were ever to happen that I became bored then I would try to look at the subject in a different way to where it would be at least new which can tend to make it exciting again. Absolutely, students will pick up on stagnation or boredom. It is hard to find another job these days so hey... find a new angle that makes it fun again!
I have witnessed this before and have heard that expressed by students. I would also say over time employees can learn "how to play the game" and what they need to get by on their evaluations to "not raise any flags". I've often felt that to be fully engaged with your class and your students, every now and then it's time to try new things, step outside of the box, and maybe push the edge of the envelope on somethings. It may work, it may not, but it will keep things fresh for everyone.
I think keeping them involved is the key. I teach electrical classes, and at times it can be boring if your're a student that is not grasping the material. Most do not want to be here for the math, but if you can relate to things they have experienced and show them mathamaticly why it happened they start to listen. Also try to get them out of their chairs as often as possible even if it's only a shot period of time the retention time might be longer
My methods are to show them why the information is improtant to their goals so they can see how they will get the return on their investment
What has worked for me and my clases is "PoP" Brainteasers! Redirect some of the energy in the room. Throw out a joke or a critical thinking question, give them a riddle to solve with a perk for the day!! Then bring them back to reality they LOVE it!Sometimes It's the material being taught- so you have to shake it up a bit and bring it back.It also helps the different learning styles(visual and tactile)to graps the lecture better.This helps me too! Be creative- it works!
Sounds good, Ranita. Would you please share some examples that have energized your students?
I agree on keeping the students focused on the end results of their education. I teach a program "outside" the norm of the rest of the school. The older students who are challenged by the technical aspects of my course struggle as do the "younger" students who get bored by the slowed pace of the course. I find by asking the Techies to help the challenged students this builds repoir which brings the class together.
Interesting, Todd. What does "help" mean? Is this lab work? Concept work? Does rapport building result in improved performance?
Loren Kroh
Loren, This is computer lab work in wich the younger students that are more comfortable with computers help students that are 45 + navigate the lab work. I see generation gaps bridges being built in front of me, which makes for a great learning environment.
Thanks, Todd. I bet it's rewarding to see those bridges and it sends you home with a sense of accomplishment.
Loren Kroh
