Barry Westling

Hi April: We might first ask why students are disengaged in the first place? But let us assume that it is occuring as is most likely from time to time. Simple techniques can be effective, and sometimes more aggressive moves are needed. Simple would be like saying, " Bob, did you know that...blah, blah, blah? That command everyone listenting to hear the teacher and what Bob is going to say. Medium efforts might be to share a story or work related situation that has occured and students will re-focus - students like stories. More aggressive is like changing from lecture… >>>

Hi Tim: Organized teachers can take pretty much all in stride: * The student who arrives early and wants some extra attention or clarification * The clique of back row deviants disrupting class (again) * The genius students who ask textbook-level questions and require more explanation * The class wanting extra review * The LCD or classroom computer on the fritz (again). When we're prepared, we're ready. Ready for what? A well prepared lesson that can be interrupted or distracted but gets done smoothly and completely regardless of the circumstances. Ready means organization has preceded the lesson and the classroom… >>>