How to Get the Unfocused to Focus
Engaging students who are unfocused can be a challenge. School-age children today live in a world filled with constant stimuli. They are used to fast-moving video games, quick Internet speeds, and instant gratification. While some students simply lack the patience for classroom instruction that requires them to sit and listen quietly, others have valid reasons for their inability to stay focused and engaged. Teachers should be prepared to explore the reasons for unfocused behavior, and to take steps to help engage students who might otherwise be lost.
Instructions
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Verify the student can see, hear and understand you. Students with undiagnosed or unrecognized vision or hearing problems may struggle to follow along with classroom instruction, simply because they cannot see the board or hear you. The school nurse should be able to complete initial vision and hearing screening. Also verify the student can understand you. Students whose primary language is not English sometimes struggle to keep up with classroom instruction. Any inability to follow along can present as an attention or focus problem.
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Know the student's learning style. Students learn differently. In his book "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences," Howard Gardner listed seven different learning styles: musical, verbal, physical, interpersonal, visual, logical and intrapersonal. A student who learns kinesthetically -- the physical intelligence -- will struggle to stay focused during teacher-led instruction which requires him to sit and listen quietly. Visual learners will need to see concepts illustrated in charts, graphs or photos to fully grasp them. Interpersonal and verbal learners might need to ask questions and discuss concepts. Any student whose learning style is not addressed might struggle to stay focused and engaged in class. Find out the unfocused student's learning style and adjust your instruction accordingly.
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Use proximity. Most teachers move about the room as they lead instruction. Walk by the unfocused student's desk more often, engaging her directly as you speak. Simply standing closer to students can help them focus. You might also consider moving the student's desk closer to you when writing on the board, or working from a multimedia presentation.
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Conference with the student and make a plan. Talk with the student one-on-one and let him know your concern about his lack of focus or attention in class. Ask the student how you can help and show that you care about his success. Building relationships is at the heart of all successful learning. Allow the student to help you create a plan for keeping him focused in class. Be consistent about sticking to the plan.
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Introduce incentives and/or consequences. If the student cannot or will not follow the plan, it is time to introduce consequences, incentives, or both. Each situation is different. Each student is different. Some students will respond better to incentives and others will respond better to consequences. You have to assess the individual situation and decide which will work best.
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Encourage and praise. Take every possible opportunity to praise the student when she is engaged and focused in class, even though she is only doing what she is supposed to be doing. You might be surprised how far a little encouragement and praise can go.
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References
- Photo Credit bored image by Mila Supynska from Fotolia.com
