Learning Should Always Be Fun!
Well, at least sometimes. Research has shown that as a child gets older they are able to stay focused for longer periods of time. At every age should this be taken advantage of to create optimal teaching/learning for every age group.
The first step is to do the math; figure out how long students in your class are able to "pay attention" for their age. The math is simple. Take the average age of the classroom... then add five (Preston, 2012).
So for a freshman class the attention span would equal: 14 (years) + 5 = 19 minutes of great focusing time.
Now use this information to full advantage!
Create lectures, lessons, and activities that lie within the average attention span. This will keep everything light and fast paced for the student!
When changing activities, think about allowing time for students to take a "break". Even if it is a couple minutes to share thoughts between students. This allows them to mentally prepare for what lies ahead.
The first step is to do the math; figure out how long students in your class are able to "pay attention" for their age. The math is simple. Take the average age of the classroom... then add five (Preston, 2012).
So for a freshman class the attention span would equal: 14 (years) + 5 = 19 minutes of great focusing time.
Now use this information to full advantage!
Create lectures, lessons, and activities that lie within the average attention span. This will keep everything light and fast paced for the student!
When changing activities, think about allowing time for students to take a "break". Even if it is a couple minutes to share thoughts between students. This allows them to mentally prepare for what lies ahead.
It's All Fun and Games!
Games are a fun way to get all students involved in learning. It can make any subject interesting. The important part is to keep activities simple to learn and short (to go with attention spans).
Not only does it help them pay attention it helps students participate. A game is high energy and promotes the want to participate because it is fun for everyone.
Different kind of games one could use in their classroom include:
Jeopardy: Use some of the information that they are required to learn for a test or assignment into a fun trivia game where they are paired in groups and trying to beat each other. They will envy each other for knowing the information, which is healthy competition Allow them to have a day of study to be fair, if you should wish, or spring it on them like a pop quiz!
Information Relays: Let's face it, some subjects NEED to be made more fun. Pair students into groups, line them up infront of a board. Have random questions ready. Each group gets a marker and has one student answer one question at a time. When a question is asked they are to run to the board and write the answer on it. First to get the correct answer gets a point! This is high energy, gets students cheering for others, and again promotes kids to want to know the information! Please make sure there is nothing to trip on during this activity...
Of course there are more options and as a teacher you can create more, mold them to every subject and grade, the most important thing is that they are easy to understand and involve EVERYBODY!
Not only does it help them pay attention it helps students participate. A game is high energy and promotes the want to participate because it is fun for everyone.
Different kind of games one could use in their classroom include:
Jeopardy: Use some of the information that they are required to learn for a test or assignment into a fun trivia game where they are paired in groups and trying to beat each other. They will envy each other for knowing the information, which is healthy competition Allow them to have a day of study to be fair, if you should wish, or spring it on them like a pop quiz!
Information Relays: Let's face it, some subjects NEED to be made more fun. Pair students into groups, line them up infront of a board. Have random questions ready. Each group gets a marker and has one student answer one question at a time. When a question is asked they are to run to the board and write the answer on it. First to get the correct answer gets a point! This is high energy, gets students cheering for others, and again promotes kids to want to know the information! Please make sure there is nothing to trip on during this activity...
Of course there are more options and as a teacher you can create more, mold them to every subject and grade, the most important thing is that they are easy to understand and involve EVERYBODY!