Up to this point, I have collected most of my data on how engaged the students are during activities which involve movement. So far, I have found a high percentage of students to actively participate in these types of activites. Today, we started a new chapter, so there was about 15 minutes where I was in front of the class explaining some new concepts. Students were supposed to be listening and maybe taking a few notes. At the end of my lecture, I asked students to show me (by raising their hands) how many of them had "zoned out" and weren't really paying attention during the last five to ten minutes of my lesson. I would say about 15 of the 33 students raised their hands. It goes to show that it is tough for teenagers to sit and listen for extended periods of time. I realize I have to get lots of information to students; the tough part is finding ways to present it that will keep the students' attention. Lecturing seems to be something that may only work in 5 minute intervals.
I have done some research on "brain breaks," so the next time I have to do some direct instruction for more than five or ten minutes, I am going to do a quick 2 minute "brain break" to see if it makes a difference. Brain breaks are quick movement exercises that look to refocus one's energy and prepare the brain for more learning. It will be interesting to see if I lose as many kids as I did today.
I would love to know more about the brain breaks that you are going to incorporate in your classroom - I can sense my students tuning out in class when there is too much lecture.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work!