Are your students nodding off as the day goes on? Do you frantically wonder how to keep their attention all day? The answer is not what you think it is. Last week, I taught my Instructor Development course to real estate professionals and affiliates. I’ve taught this course for about 15 years. Here’s the biggest misconception students come in with:
If I just learn how to be a more captivating speaker, I can keep the students’ attention for hours on end.
NOT! In today’s frantic world, the person in front of everyone cannot hope to hold students’ attention for more than 10 minutes at a time! If you think I’m wrong, just count the number of commercials in a TV break. These commercials are down to about 15 seconds a piece. The images go by so fast you can scarcely count them. In fact, we’ve become a society of easily distracted, multi-tasking, not very focused beings (watch pedestrians or drivers in action with a cell phone).
All the Focus Doesn’t Have to Be On You
So, what are you going to do to hold students’ attention? You are going to implement some teaching methods called alternative delivery methods.
Alternative delivery methods include all methods used to teach that are NOT lecture-based. Examples include: town hall, task force, case study, role play, and action plan.
Give your Students some Credit
People who lecture their way through a day (or days!) either:
1) Just don’t have any repertoire of alternative teaching methods,
Or,
2) Just don’t think the students can be involved with theirs and others’ learning.
How to Teach through Student Involvement
Instead of talking through each point you have on your PowerPoint slide or on your outline (boy, is that riveting!), use town hall, task force, case study, and role play methods to teach the lesson. In order to use these methods, you may need to take an Instructor Development course, which will each various instruction methods — then practice using them in class. You’ll find your students know much more than you think they do about what you’re teaching. You’ll be able to clarify points of concern, use the talents in your class, and actually provide a stimulating, active learning environment. The result, your students will be energized all day.
Resources: Knock Their Socks Off: Tips to Make your Presentation the Best Ever and The Ultimate Real Estate Trainer (visit: http://carla-cross.com/)
