Another tactic I use to reach students that may not have a high interest in my subject area is I explain how we are going to attack this class as a group and accomplish all of the needed areas together. I do this with the hopes of building a team/family type of environment. Hopefully, this will begin to shape an attitude in every student that reflects an “all for one and one for all” approach to the content. These two approaches are generally effective in getting every student to have at least some level of interest.
I agree with you! That's a good job of explaining the process right away. I would think to a certain extent it gives the students some reassurance that this class is not going to be a waste of time for them. I believe once they see the postives of all of possibilities of the class, then their interest should be drawn in just enough for them to be open-minded. It only takes that one "light bulb" moment for them to say, "Hey maybe this won't be so bad!"
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy reading your post. You are such an encourager to your students and fellow classmates. I totally agree if we can show the kids how our program can benefit them in life, they will be much more apt to buy into it.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great approach! I love the banding together of a class. I did use a similar style last year keeping the class together on projects and conquering lessons as a single unit. It created a comfortable atmosphere and transferred over to this year. For some reason my new students aren't there. I haven't been able to unite this class. I believe it has a lot to do with my heavy load this year, and my lack of knowledge in the new curriculum.
ReplyDeleteAwesome Terry! I think that is a great idea. The semester that I had that student that would not participate at all was a lot of hard work. I am definitely going to try what you were mentioning in your blog. Thank you for that information and I will let you know how it worked out.
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