How do I keep students engaged?
I have a problem getting the students engaged, especially in the * am class. Any suggestions?
robin,
I am assuming that there are interactive and/or hands-on activities? The time of day does make a huge difference sometimes and we have to work much harder as faculty to get them involved.
Susan Backofen
Hi Robin,
When I taught early in the morning I always tried to go in with the mentatility that I needed to be energized so that they would wake up as well. I usually checked-in with everyone for the first few minutes and then we would get into class mode. I agree that doing something hands on or in group really helps keeps the students engaged. It's always good to have some back up projects or "fun" activities to do when your group is being super unproductive as well.
I find that getting them up and active as well as presenting an active and animated lecture will do the trick. You must prove to them that you believe and are excited by the material/career topic that you are presenting.
Ronald,
An instructor who can get the students excited about the material is extremely valuable to learning and retention efforts!
Susan Backofen
Teach with incoporated synergy. Students will be come engaged if the course and lesson plan has an interactive piece layered in during the session. A typical lesson plan for the class that day will include:
1. Lecture
2. Oral quiz (random questions)
3. Class and group activity(Taken out of lesson)
4. Ending class with Q&A (last minute burning questions)
This method works for my classes and the students enjoy learning. Additionally, student communication, and social skills tend to show improvement. It is not only benefical for the students but it helps the facilitator learn the student as an individual.
Teresa,
This sounds like a wonderful and highly effective outline! There is a lot of 'recapping' of material and opportunity to ask questions. I am sure your students appreciate the interaction.
Susan Backofen
I teach in the am as well and have also taught nights. I have found that my students are much more awake and ready to learn right off the bat at night. In the am to get their brains going I try to wean them into a lecture. We'll discuss yesterdays topics and we'll do a review of the day before. I'll ask them questions about things that were lectured the previous day. This reallt has been effective for me and gets their brains moving early.
I second this, they always have an excuse for being tardy or absent.but my afternoon class is alays on time and ready to learn
