Creating Energy in the Classroom

Summary

In this session on creating energy in the classroom, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teacher enthusiasm, especially in core courses where students may not choose the subject. To engage students, the teacher recommends techniques like seeking student expectations, using persuasive content like videos or role models, and incorporating small group activities. Additionally, teachers should bring their research and contemporary phenomena into the classroom to keep things fresh. Ultimately, staying relevant to students' interests and understanding their context is key to maintaining energy and engagement in the classroom.

Takeaways

• 😀 Teachers' enthusiasm is essential to inspire and engage students, especially in core courses where students are not typically there by choice.
• 😀 In elective courses, students are more naturally engaged since they have chosen the subject, unlike in core courses where they are required to attend.
• 😀 Teachers must constantly find ways to make their lessons interesting and exciting to sustain student engagement in core courses.
• 😀 Although teaching is not about entertainment, teachers should consider 'edutainment' by incorporating relevant real-world examples to make the content engaging.
• 😀 Teachers should regularly ask students about their expectations and takeaways from the course, which helps in setting the tone for the class.
• 😀 Be prepared for students to express minimal interest, such as only seeking good grades. This is often due to their lack of understanding of the course's long-term value.
• 😀 Persuasion is key. Use videos, controversial issues, and role models to demonstrate how the course material is valuable for students' future success.
• 😀 Peer group activities, like group discussions and breakout rooms, can help energize the class and promote active learning.
• 😀 As knowledge dissemination is easily done via platforms like Google, teachers now act more as facilitators, guiding discussions and helping students engage with the material.
• 😀 Teachers must stay relevant by understanding students' interests in areas like social media, music, and current events to keep lessons engaging and relatable.

Q & A

Why is enthusiasm important for teachers when teaching core courses?

Enthusiasm is important because if a teacher is not enthusiastic about the subject, it becomes difficult to evoke excitement and engagement in the students, especially in core courses where students are required to attend rather than choosing the subject.

What is the difference between teaching a core course and an elective course?

In elective courses, students have voluntarily chosen the subject, so they are naturally more engaged. In contrast, core courses are required, meaning students may lack intrinsic motivation, which can make it more challenging to keep them engaged.

How can a teacher keep students engaged in a core course?

A teacher can keep students engaged in a core course by maintaining high energy levels, seeking feedback from students on their expectations, and using persuasive methods to help students understand the relevance of the course to their future roles.

What role does 'edutainment' play in modern teaching?

Given today's digital age, teachers should embrace 'edutainment' by making learning both educational and entertaining. This helps students see the value of what they are learning, particularly in core courses where the relevance may not be immediately clear.

What is the importance of seeking students' expectations from the course?

Seeking students' expectations helps teachers understand their mindset, allowing them to tailor the course content in a way that resonates with students, even if some students initially view the course simply as a requirement to pass.

How does a teacher persuade students to take the course seriously?

Teachers can persuade students by showing them videos of business leaders discussing the importance of the course content, presenting controversial issues in the media, or showcasing role models who explain how focusing on the course content could have improved their careers.

Why are small group activities effective in energizing the classroom?

Small group activities are effective because students enjoy collaborating in small teams to solve problems, which boosts energy and engagement. It also helps break up the monotony of a lecture and encourages peer learning.

How has the role of a teacher changed in the digital age?

The traditional role of a teacher as the sole disseminator of knowledge has diminished, as students can now easily find information online. Teachers have shifted to become facilitators who guide learning and encourage critical thinking and discussion.

What are some ways teachers can inject energy into their classrooms?

Teachers can inject energy by integrating their research into lessons, inviting guest speakers, bringing up contemporary topics for discussion, and using innovative methods to make lessons more engaging and relevant.

How can teachers stay relevant to their students and maintain engagement?

Teachers can stay relevant by understanding their students' interests and the context they come from, such as social media trends, film habits, music, and sports. This allows teachers to create more meaningful and relatable classroom experiences.