Best Practices for Engaging Distracted Learners

Engaging Distracted Learners

Question

An instructor asks a question and notices that most of the learners seem distracted and are looking out the windows.

Which of the following is the BEST approach to this problem?

Answers

Explanations

Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer

A. B. C. D.

A.

In this situation, the instructor has observed that the learners seem distracted and are not paying attention to the question. This can be a challenging situation for the instructor, as it can be difficult to engage learners who are not actively participating. However, there are several strategies that the instructor can use to improve engagement and encourage participation.

A. Call on a specific learner to answer the question: This strategy can be effective in getting learners to pay attention and participate. However, it is important to use this strategy carefully and respectfully, as some learners may feel uncomfortable being singled out. Additionally, this strategy may not be effective if the learners are genuinely disinterested in the topic or if the question is too difficult.

B. Turn the question into an exercise: This strategy can be effective in engaging learners and encouraging participation. By turning the question into an exercise, the instructor can make the activity more interactive and engaging. For example, the instructor could divide the learners into groups and have each group come up with an answer to the question, or the instructor could ask the learners to brainstorm possible answers and then discuss them as a class.

C. Rephrase the question using an appropriate frame of reference: This strategy can be effective in helping learners understand the question and engage with the topic. By rephrasing the question using language that is more familiar or relevant to the learners, the instructor can make the activity more accessible and engaging. For example, if the learners are not familiar with technical terminology, the instructor could rephrase the question using simpler language.

D. Wait a little longer until someone answers the question: This strategy may not be effective in engaging learners who are not actively participating. Waiting for someone to answer the question may simply prolong the period of disengagement and may not encourage participation. However, it can be useful in situations where learners need more time to think about the question or if the question is particularly challenging.

Overall, the BEST approach to this problem depends on the specific situation and the needs and preferences of the learners. The instructor should consider factors such as the learners' interests and abilities, the complexity of the question, and the overall learning objectives when selecting a strategy to engage learners.