The best way to keep students engaged is to CONTINUALLY remind them why what they are learning is important! you must be able to answer the dreaded question "Why do we need to know this?" with a convincing and accurate answer. Otherwise, you can't teach the subject at hand!

 

I welcome any comments!

Richard--

I agree Richard that reminding them what they are learning is important, but is it my responsibilty to remind them? In an online environment there isn't room for me to remind studnets its important to learn the material. Online learning takes a differnt approach to learning and they have to know coming into this environment the importance of the material.

A student centered classroom continually places the responsiability on the student to move the instruction forward.

Early in the class I take notes on the interests of the students.  When a student is tired or disinterested I reference artists and professionals the students mentioned early on.  The process of getting to know the students is essential and also helps to keep the engaged as well.  

I feel that the internet does have an effect on student abilities. The internet offers the student a vast amount of information at their fingertips.  The average student today has had years of experience of browsing the net. This has fine-tuned their abilities to review information quickly and to determine if the information is relevant and accurate. They become informed at an accelerated rate and the results is that they are better decision makers.

There are several classes in my department that the students are perplexed as to why they have to take the course.  Once they see the relevance of the course, they are much more likely to take in interest in learning the material.