Strategies of Securing the Attention of Students Essay Example
Introduction
Attention is necessary for students before giving them directions on a task to prevent misunderstandings. Gaining students' attention can be difficult and frustrating. The key strategy is to use a stimulus that engages with what the students are doing.
To achieve an effective stimulus, it is important for it to be relevant to the given instructions. When unexpected elements are introduced, such as a new sound, students quickly become attentive and focused. Additionally, incorporating breaks from the usual classroom routine, such as exercise breaks, helps to relax students' minds and allows them to receive instructions with heightened attention.
The paper examines three strategies that teachers can employ to capture students' attention effectively while minimizing verbal interaction in the classroom.
Strategies for Capturing Students' Attention
One strategy is to plan an unexpected event th
...at serves as a distraction from whatever the students may be engaged in at the moment (Cangelosi, 2013). By behaving in a funny or comical manner, the teacher can redirect all of the students' attention towards themselves. For example, the teacher can wear a unique outfit that relates to the topic or instructions being presented. This can be particularly effective if the instructions involve a historical context, as wearing something historically relevant will engage the students' attention and enhance their understanding of the instructions. Furthermore, providing instructions in a printed handout that is presented in an attentive manner can also help ensure that students receive and comprehend the information effectively.
Using images can help the teacher create focus in students and capture their attention. For example, cartoons paired with communication words can serve as instructions for the task at hand. This strategy is aligned with the give
instruction.
For example, in a music lesson where instruction includes instruments, the teacher can engage the students by playing an instrument, which serves as a stimulus. The teacher can also change the melody to effectively grab the students' attention. It is important to use a sound that is suitable for their age group to prevent them from reverting to their regular routines. Once all the students are attentive, the teacher can provide instructions through sound or action (Cangelosi, 2013). The exercise break is particularly effective in capturing students' attention as it helps them maintain focus.
Most exercises are challenging and most people enjoy challenges. Given that the instructions require minimal verbal interaction, a yoga session would be an effective choice. Using an exercise break can help capture the students' attention and divert their minds away from the class, encouraging better concentration (Cangelosi, 2013). During the yoga session, the students can remain seated in the yoga position while the teacher physically demonstrates the instructions, ensuring clear comprehension as they are focused. Alternatively, the teacher can also utilize a video to visually present the instructions during the exercise break.
Conclusion
The most effective strategy for gaining the attention and focus of students is to interrupt their pattern. Rather than raising one's voice, a teacher can do something unexpected or deviate from the normal routine. Creating a new sound also grabs the students' attention, and once focus is established, the teacher can give instructions for the task at hand. By interrupting student activities, attention and focus are generated, allowing instructions to be effectively delivered.
References
- Cangelosi, J. S. (2013).
Classroom management strategies: Gaining and maintaining students' cooperation. John Wiley ; Sons.
