Boredom is one of the greatest enemies of successful learning. This happens , mainly, when students predict what will happen next in the classroom. Students frequently know what will occur next because it will be the same as what happened in the previous session and a whole string of sessions before. This predictability is the deadening bullet that classroom vitality may receive.
What causes boredom?
For overachievers, it can be the pace of teaching. These students already know the material and can’t wait to move ahead. Their need to be challenged is simply not being met.
For others, it could be a lack of interest in the subject, but just as likely, a lack of understanding of the topic. They can easily feel lost or helpless, not knowing where to even start on a project or writing assignment. For these students, solutions might range from creating curiosity about the topic to spending additional time on the lesson, creating that level of understanding which will breed success.
How can teachers avoid boredom?
Add an activity: internet is full of ideas;
Give them a break: Let students stand, stretch, sing or even dance. A few jumping jacks can go a long way;
Provide discussion time: Don’t simply teach from the book or assign readings. Talk about the subject matter and how it applies in real life;
Create something: Build something or have students draw or write about the device they would build if they could to make life better. Create curiosity when possible;
Energize: Keep students hydrated with water breaks and energized with occasional bites of healthy snacks;
Mix it up: Vary the routine. Think about teaching different subjects at different times, changing the classroom venue or injecting a YouTube or educational video into the lesson.
Sources and more information:
www.learningliftoff.com
www.myenglishpages.com
