Students re-taking a class
Many times I have students that didn't finished a class, but already know the material from their previous time, sometimes I find them to be bored and not engaged in the class, What can I do to keep them engage and interested?
Alex--
That's a tough one! I guess it depends somewhat on why they didn't finish. If they didn't complete the material, then clearly they should still be somewhat engaged because they need to learn it. On the other hand, if they are missing the last portions and did well in the others, it can be quite boring for them.
Have you thought about using them for 'assistants' in mentoring other students?
Susan
I try to motivate them to find topics that they are not familiar with or to work twice as hard on their problem areas. Otherwise, any special attention given can be thought of as favoritism
I always aske them to try to practice what ever they missed or they did not get properly the first time they took the class. I also try to make them lead the class as assisting me for demonstration or answering question of other student for me...
Dan--
That sounds like an excellent strategy having them assist you.
Susan
that is a tough one! depending on the student some are willing to help others with that may be struggling but also some wolud like to sit back and try to turn work in from the previous time they were there. i have found that what ever task they have completed expect a little more to make sure it is still challenging for them other wise they seem to get bord easely and disconnected.
Michael--
That is an excellent point. Expecting them to turn in a more robust project/paper is a great thing. Obviously, they should have a better understanding than the first time around.
Susan
Students that you feel are good enough to help others is a greaat way use these students. also have these students help repair and or build training aids. Sometime a training aid will stop working and the students love it when I let them figure out what is wron and fix it.
I often come across this situation and have to adapt to the specific needs of the student. Again all students are individuals and they will be different. I sometimes have them assist me in classroom activities or challenge them to do better than their previous time when it comes to tests and quizzes. Depending on the circumstances, I try my best to make sure they are learning and taking something with them this second time and that it's not a waste of their time.
Wing --
It certainly sounds like you make every effort to keep their attention and continue to build their skill set. Great job.
Susan
I quite often find that the students that are retaking the class do just as poorly the second time. Quite often, they were't engaged the first time and that is why they failed the first time. Occasionally, outside factors prevent them from finishing the first time and they are able to succeed the nest time.
Steven--
Interesting observation. Clearly, they are higher risk as they didn't succeed the first time. That is why engaging them in a different way is helpful. Of course, that depends on their circumstances as well as other factors.
Susan
We often have students repeating a class because of issues the first time. I also try to encourage them to use what they learned the first time to benefit themselves this time - they know the instructor expectations, they now some of the material for class discussions, may have some of the previous work, encourage them to improve their GPA by getting a better grade, assist others, and I do discuss with the student not to be bored, rude, or late because they think they 'know it all'.
Your statement that students often do just as poorly the second or third time is interesting. I am curious now to do some research. Thanks!
Yes, it is hard especially when they alrady did the homeowrk you are assigning. :) I ususally have them do the helping or writing things on the board such as vocab word etc. I think outside of the box have them create a crossword puzzle to share with the group etc. This helps us all and keeps them diligent on the chapters.
Kristilyn--
Great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Susan
I think it depends on the reason why they are re-taking the class.
If they are retaking due to a life event, not grades, it helps if I ask them if they have anything to add or any additional help they can offer.
If they are retaking the course because of a simply a low grade I try to ask them what areas were the toughest for them and address those.
Laura--
This is great advice. In either case, they have things to share and work on.
Susan
My course has alot of lecture I try to call on the students that are re-takening often because they should already have a good idea of what we are covering. This will normally encourage the rest of the class to jump in. I guess this would depend on your course.
Donald--
Good point. It sounds like you almost utilize the student re-taking the classes as plants in the audience to induce discussion. Great idea!
Susan
